File photo for reference only

 

The National Health Security Office (NHSO) in Thailand has taken legal action against a clinic in Chiang Rai province, alleging it defrauded the nation's universal healthcare system. The clinic, which joined the NHSO scheme in October 2023, is accused of claiming false reimbursements amounting to 1.8 million baht, including serving at least one "ghost patient."

 

Dr Attaporn Limpanyalert, deputy secretary-general of the NHSO, lodged a formal complaint at the Ban Du police station following three separate grievances from the public. One complaint involved a patient who discovered their name was wrongfully included in the clinic's records, barring them from rightful access to universal healthcare services.

 

 

Further investigation revealed unusually high usage numbers at the clinic, suggesting the owner redirected hospital-bound patients to the clinic instead. There are also claims that the clinic collected patient IDs in exchange for small goods, such as milk and toothpaste, without providing legitimate services.

 

The NHSO is now vigorously scrutinising this case for its potential impacts on the broader healthcare system. Dr Attaporn confirmed that if any more irregularities are discovered, they would widen their investigations across other clinics under the NHSO's purview. This move aims to safeguard the integrity of Thailand's universal healthcare scheme, which relies on trust between health service providers and patients.

 

-- 2025-01-10

 

 

Just one of many  frauding the Health system, sames as doctors, nurses,  there should be an inquiry into the whole system and the conduct of the doctors and nurses