Telemedicine services for approximately one million Thais residing overseas is the latest initiative from the Ministry of Public Health, according to Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew. This universal healthcare scheme aims to ensure all Thais have access to medical treatment, no matter their location.

The Ministry is partnering with the National Health Security Office (NHSO) to explore the idea of a telemedicine consultant service. This service is envisioned for those living abroad without access to universal healthcare, a right which should be theirs, as stated by Cholnan.

 

The preliminary phase of this initiative will see a pilot test conducted with Thai monks based in India. The Ministry plans to collaborate with an Indian medical team located in Bodhgaya to provide healthcare services for these monks. If successful, Cholnan explained that a similar model could be implemented in other countries, in compliance with international law.

 

by Mitch Connor 

Photo courtesy of tirachardz (Freepik)

 

Full story: The Thaiger 2023-12-28

 

- Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here.

 

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That's pretty neat, I reckon that's excellent thinking. Can you imagine the NHS doing similar for UK expats abroad......no, me neither!

Good luck getting prescriptions filled at a US pharmacy. 

 

I like the concept, but I suspect the devil will be in the delivery...

 

Clever thinking, but another Indian help desk?

They seem to have a dubious reputation.

3 hours ago, Mike Lister said:

That's pretty neat, I reckon that's excellent thinking. Can you imagine the NHS doing similar for UK expats abroad......no, me neither!

You would have trouble getting a doctors appointment on the NHS if you lived in the UK let alone living abroad, as for a dentist appointment forget it.

5 hours ago, Mike Lister said:

That's pretty neat, I reckon that's excellent thinking. Can you imagine the NHS doing similar for UK expats abroad......no, me neither!

I wouldn't use it if they did.

17 minutes ago, hotchilli said:

I wouldn't use it if they did.

What if they gave you 500 baht and had go go dancers too, would you use it then?

58 minutes ago, Mike Lister said:

What if they gave you 500 baht and had go go dancers too, would you use it then?

I'd have to check-out the green room first.

12 hours ago, impulse said:

Good luck getting prescriptions filled at a US pharmacy. 

 

I like the concept, but I suspect the devil will be in the delivery...

 

I was thinking about getting telemedicine from Boston in Thailand. During the pandemic the situation was looser, so doctors there could handle their patients when they were out of Massachusetts, but now only doctors who are licensed in the state where the patient is located can deliver service. For example, some snow birds can get to connect with Boston doctors who are also licensed in FL.

 

It's problematical for a US pharmacy to honor a Thai prescription, especially when branded medicines may have different names or not even be available or approved. In the US there is the reciprocity concept between states, but not some other country AFAIK.

8 hours ago, hotchilli said:

I wouldn't use it if they did.

the length of the waiting list would render the NHS useless for many on here.  Aren't they on strike at the moment  anyway?

On 12/28/2023 at 9:43 AM, Mike Lister said:

That's pretty neat, I reckon that's excellent thinking. Can you imagine the NHS doing similar for UK expats abroad......no, me neither!

Probably of little benefit for an Expat to talk to a Thai monk in India.....

8 minutes ago, jacko45k said:

Probably of little benefit for an Expat to talk to a Thai monk in India.....

I don't know, it might help with his chanting plus he'd know where all the food local restaurants are.

Another silly gimmick.....anything to use technology. Western countries will have laws about unqualified people giving medical advice over the phone. And what about the treatment. Most western countries are not like Thailand, you need a prescription.