Thai Govt Urged To Rein In Prices Of Private Hospitals

[Redhawk]

I have been suffering of an infected ellbow bursitis, saw two general anaesthesia surgeries in march, both with a stay of three days in the hospital. I paid about 13.000,- Baht per surgery with a single room at the Thai Military Hospital in Khorat.

The price of the private solutions in Khorat were approximately 100.000,- per surgery at the two major private hospitals.

To my knowledge and opinion quality and service is up to the private ones if not even better especially regarding the friendliness of the personnel in the Thai Military Hospital.

[hansnl]

If anyone in his/her right mind chooses to go to a private hospital he/she should remember private hospitals are there to milk as much money out of you as possible.

As one professor said to me in a Government heart centre:

If you want to pay huge amounts of money, feel free to visit a private hospital
If you want the best possible care, come to me.

May I add:

And do remember the doctors you may meet in those private hospitals are probably having a daytime job in a state hospital.
And are "moonlighting" in private hospitals.
Ever wondered why there are so many operations in private hospitals during the evening hours and during weekends?
Ever wondered is those doctors might be tired?

Edited April 27, 2013 by Phil Conners
Bold font removed. Please see the rules.

[Mudcrab]

There is also the issue medicine is a business as are hospitals. A recent op on a mate and 168,000 later and results of the lab tests showed only 20% of 'bits' removed was necessary. Insurance did not cover this 'type' of surgery according to the 'private' hospital. Misdiagnosis and over zealous surgeons making money. However, having said that, if entrepreneurs have the capital to set up a hospital they should be able to expect a ROI based on pricing etc. So the rates they charge are really at their behest. I don't think the govt has any say in this.

That is EXACTLY why ALL health services should be run at cost by efficient Government services and NEVER privately profit motivated. I totally abhor making money out of peoples misfortunes and ill health (same with childrens' educations). Sure doctors and nurses and others working in the healthcare system should be remunerated fairly according to their skills and efficiency, but please no blatant non value added greedy money making destructive profits. Basic and good healthcare should be a right of ALL citizens in a civilised country as indeed it is in the UK, and all such socially minded countries should have a mutual agreement to share such free care for their citizens (as they do in many European countries).

Hospitals should be build for the people by the people and paid for out of fair income / profit related taxation. Capitalism can be good in many respects but in healthcare we must have a Socialist system to be fair and beneficial to all people. Capitalism and Socialism BOTH have good and bad points you have to realise, so just leave Capitalism out of basic healthcare Healthcare should be available free and for all based entirely on medical need and urgency with no immoral queue jumping just because some a'hole has money and wants to jump ahead of others in more need.

Oh before any right wing idiots start, I am nether Capitalist nor Socialist but a bit of both and accept that there is a correct centre way that embraces all that is good from both those undesirable destructive extremes, As far as Healthcare is concerned (and most other things too) then peoples' well being is far more important than money making. People must always come first, money well after that.

I can see what you are saying however IF you want prompt medical non urgent treatment the Public hospital system isn't always the most convenient alternative. You can wait for 7 (or forever) years to get a tooth fixed if you are on a pension in Oz

Edited April 27, 2013 by Mudcrab

[brfsa2]

...

I've tried, asked doctor to only prescribe me the medicine and I will buy at 1/4 of the price at the a big drugstore very cheap. Doctor said "no cannot".

...

I have trouble understanding how they can force you to buy it. You give the prescription to the pharmacist in the hospital, and he would come back with 10 items. How exactly does he make you take all 10 items instead of you just picking up one bag and saying you don't want the rest and not paying for it?

I heard this of many people before in private hospitals where they prescribe you one medicine and also try to sell you stuff against all possible side-effects of your prescribed drugs. But everybody I know just turns that down and only pays for the drug they really need.

well yes, you can refuse the drugs on the counter. but that is a lot of hassle that should not be there at first place. the counter will call the doctor and tell the doctor you will not buy his/her prescribed medicines...

I've done it a few times with friends and relatives, it is a headache.

One doctor at PhyaThai hospital even got all aggressive and altered because I refuse to buy the medicines at the hospital, at the end, I told her when I was already too pissed off:

"I will pay ONLY for the fees or pay nothing, your pick"

The doctors are too used with "knowledge-less" people who will say nothing, thai style. whenever someone smart tries to argue with the doctor, they get all altered

Edited April 27, 2013 by brfsa2

[brfsa2]

"We were asked to sign a bond saying that we would pay Bt500,000 for medical bills even before my wife received immediate attention for a brain haemorrhage," Prasert noted in the letter.

Disgusting.

Which Hospital? please provide Hospital, Date and Doctor. So that people be aware.

[kirk0233]

...

I've tried, asked doctor to only prescribe me the medicine and I will buy at 1/4 of the price at the a big drugstore very cheap. Doctor said "no cannot".

...

I have trouble understanding how they can force you to buy it. You give the prescription to the pharmacist in the hospital, and he would come back with 10 items. How exactly does he make you take all 10 items instead of you just picking up one bag and saying you don't want the rest and not paying for it?

I heard this of many people before in private hospitals where they prescribe you one medicine and also try to sell you stuff against all possible side-effects of your prescribed drugs. But everybody I know just turns that down and only pays for the drug they really need.

I agree. Never had a problem not paying for medicine I did not want or getting the list of prescribed drugs and buying at an outside pharmacy.

[attento]

Private hospitals are a private business.

Fees are set at a level which enough people are prepared to pay.

If anyone wants to start a philanthropic venture, surely they can do that.

How many Thai doctors or businessmen (or farangs, for that matter) are rushing to open low cost hospitals (low cost to patients) ?

Where are the hospitals being run by Thai charities?

If the State is truly worried about this, they can match the level and quality of service with their own free or low-cost provision.

Maybe the State could manage the A&E departments in private hospitals?

Would the tax-payers be prepared to pay the necessary increased taxation for the provision of state hospitals for all ?

Yes, life offers tough choices.

Edited April 27, 2013 by attento

[Bluespunk]

I went to a private hospital in Feb, from falling 5 meters thru a roof. Broke both wrists and an ankle. They started off saying they would charge me an arm and a leg (pun intended), but wound up charging a bit less, due to pleading by some Thai friends. The final tally came down from nearly Bt.200k to around Bt.80k. I had accident insurance which took Bt.30k off that. Yet, when I mentioned the 80k to Thai friends, they all were aghast at the high price. They said that a Thai would have paid considerably less at the same private hospital. That's not counting the 30 baht public hospital, where a person with a broken limb might have to wait several days before getting it set in plaster.

Different prices for non-Thais should be stamped out. Surely there is a Thai anti-discrimination law that covers this.

ha, ha, ha, yeah right. good one

[BrianCR]

For a foreigner it might look like the cost of medical treatment in Thailand is very cheap but the truth is that for the common Thai people is very, very expensive, specially when you go to a private hospital and buy ur medicine ther, the prices of something so simple as an antibiotic very often is 30 times more expensive than if you go to a normal drugstore and buy it for yourself, so hope the goverment improve this situation because this is something that is a very important issue for must of the people, amen:wai2:

You do not have to buy medicine at any hospital here in Thailand - after being treated/diagnosed by the doctor you can ask for the medical prescription and take it to a drugstore if you wish

[irwinfc]

patients can refuse buying meds from hospitals. but the crocodiles (private hospitals) have countered this by not handing out any prescriptions accomplished through their electronic system. after the consultation, the nurse leads you out of the consultation room then tells you got to the cashier and pay. then off to meet the pharmacist for the meds and a couple of next to useless instructions and you're "free" to go. no opportunity to refuse the overpriced meds! this is how it goes at payathai 2 hospital, at least.

the pricing scheme of private hospitals is aimed at the filthy rich and insured patients. for those not too familiar with the "system", it quickly becomes a case of "never again".

[hellodolly]

I went to a private hospital in Feb, from falling 5 meters thru a roof. Broke both wrists and an ankle. They started off saying they would charge me an arm and a leg (pun intended), but wound up charging a bit less, due to pleading by some Thai friends. The final tally came down from nearly Bt.200k to around Bt.80k. I had accident insurance which took Bt.30k off that. Yet, when I mentioned the 80k to Thai friends, they all were aghast at the high price. They said that a Thai would have paid considerably less at the same private hospital. That's not counting the 30 baht public hospital, where a person with a broken limb might have to wait several days before getting it set in plaster.

Not that I doubt that is what they told you but I would be curious as to there source of information. When I read it I was thinking that you had got the Thai price.

If it was so much higher than what it would have been for a Thai why didn't the insurance company say some thing to them. I bet if you had accepted the 200,000 baht originally charged they would have said some thing.

I am presuming you have a 50,000 baht deductible.

[stoli]

I understand your frustration and how difficult making a decision like that can be, but how can you compare the costs of medical treatments based on the number of days in the hospital? That does not make any sense to me.

And you might want to consider going to a public hospital next time instead of a private one, that can make a huge difference in costs. Medical insurance might also be a good idea.

So I know there are Private Hospitals and Government Hospitals. Government Hospitals can be fine if it's not life threatening or an emergency and in certain cases they don't have good options for treatment whereas Private Hospitals are equipped with all the latest medical gadgets...they better be with what they charge these days.

So what Public Hospitals exist in Pattaya, if you know.

Well, they are not called Public Hospitals per se, but Government Hospitals. The one that I sometimes use is Banglamung Hospital in Naklua. (North Pattaya). They are very good, but very quick. It really is an assembly line for treatment. They don't take the time to see if maybe the medicine that they prescribed for you is also bad for you in terms of other problems you may have. They don't know the BPH does not let you take aspirin becuase your blood is too thin, and they will prescribe aspirin. They just don't ask. So, know what you can or can not take. I would not go there for surgery, but smaller stuff they are just fine. Know your own medical needs & abilities at the same time.

[hellodolly]

Review of Emergency treatment in Private Thai Hospitals

BANGKOK: -- Private hospitals are to be brought into line with the government national health plan, which covers all Thai nationals for emergency treatment anywhere in the nation and in any hospital.

The health ministry has been reviewing claims that some private hospitals who receive emergency patients, many from motor accidents, demand pledges to be signed or money to be paid before emergency treatment is given, despite the regulations which assure them that the government plan will cover emergency treatment costs.

The Health service is concerned that delays in treatment could occur due to form filing and paperwork which is against their contract with the hospitals and a new pre-authorisation process is to be established whereby anyone from the richest to the poorest will be assured of emergency treatment without delay at any hospital in the kingdom.

Of particular interest to Foreigners with Thai families here, the National Health plan is designed to ensure that all Thai nationals, rich or poor, have the right to basic medical treatment from cradle to grave.

Full story: http://www.pattaya103.com/review-of-emergency-treatment-in-private-thai-hospitals/

--Pattaya 103 FM 2013-04-27

Well it certainly looks good on paper if you don't think about it.

But the reality emergency treatment costs can be a lot higher for a hospital that has all the up to date equipment as compared to one that has equipment that went out of use years ago.

So when the government

assure's them that the government plan will cover emergency treatment costs

What kind of costs are they talking about?

[hellodolly]

A good law to pass would be to "allow" patients to purchase medicines outside the hospital, because many hospitals force you to buy it there at 4-5 times the normal price.

I've tried, asked doctor to only prescribe me the medicine and I will buy at 1/4 of the price at the a big drugstore very cheap. Doctor said "no cannot".

for example, I know that a anti-acid milk bottle costs only 60 baht at the drugstore, but I had to pay 300 baht for it at the hospital for the exact same brand and size. total rip-off.

Private hospitals are no doubt ripping people off with what they charge for medicines. I think that's pretty clear when you can get the same items for a fifth of the price or less at local pharmacies.

I don't understand your statement above. If you knew what was being prescribed then why didn't you just not turn in the prescription and go buy the medicine outside the hospital. No hospital can force you to buy their medicine. I can understand if the prescription was mixed with controlled medicines that can only be purchased at a hospital by prescription. It would then be awkward or difficult to tell them, "OK, I want this item and this items, but not these". I usually get the hospital medicine because I just don't want to hassle with getting an explanation of exactly what's being prescribed so I can get the same thing at a local pharmacy, but maybe next time I should bother.

I agree with you why would any one buy medicine in a hospital that they can get at a drug store far cheaper? It makes no sense to me. If I was going to do that I sure as heck would not post that I knowingly paid 4 to 5 times the price for a medicine than I had to. If it was a prescription that could only be filled at hospitals that would be a different case.

Price comes into effect here also. If it is only a small amount I would probably pay the money rather than go shopping for it at other drug stores. I know from experience that they don't all carry every thing. But if I know it is 4 to 5 times higher than the hospital that would mean I knew how much it cost and where to get it and that is where would get it. Just take the Doctors prescription along as proof that it is what I need. Not that they would care if they had it in stock.

[hellodolly]

There is also the issue medicine is a business as are hospitals. A recent op on a mate and 168,000 later and results of the lab tests showed only 20% of 'bits' removed was necessary. Insurance did not cover this 'type' of surgery according to the 'private' hospital. Misdiagnosis and over zealous surgeons making money. However, having said that, if entrepreneurs have the capital to set up a hospital they should be able to expect a ROI based on pricing etc. So the rates they charge are really at their behest. I don't think the govt has any say in this.

That is EXACTLY why ALL health services should be run at cost by efficient Government services and NEVER privately profit motivated. I totally abhor making money out of peoples misfortunes and ill health (same with childrens' educations). Sure doctors and nurses and others working in the healthcare system should be remunerated fairly according to their skills and efficiency, but please no blatant non value added greedy money making destructive profits. Basic and good healthcare should be a right of ALL citizens in a civilised country as indeed it is in the UK, and all such socially minded countries should have a mutual agreement to share such free care for their citizens (as they do in many European countries).

Hospitals should be build for the people by the people and paid for out of fair income / profit related taxation. Capitalism can be good in many respects but in healthcare we must have a Socialist system to be fair and beneficial to all people. Capitalism and Socialism BOTH have good and bad points you have to realise, so just leave Capitalism out of basic healthcare Healthcare should be available free and for all based entirely on medical need and urgency with no immoral queue jumping just because some a'hole has money and wants to jump ahead of others in more need.

Oh before any right wing idiots start, I am nether Capitalist nor Socialist but a bit of both and accept that there is a correct centre way that embraces all that is good from both those undesirable destructive extremes, As far as Healthcare is concerned (and most other things too) then peoples' well being is far more important than money making. People must always come first, money well after that.

You have to be kidding. The government can't even teach kids how to add two plus two equals four with out a calculator. They think that if they pay more for rice than any one else in the world pays the rest of the world will change. They offer tax incentives to put more automobiles on roads that are all ready over crowded.

Now you want to turn all the health decisions in the country over to them also. Ideals are OK but we do not live in the garden of Eden any more. It is a real world we live in today.

[losworld]

my wife went trough her whole period of pregnancy to the same hospital and also give birth there,

I told her many times something was wrong there, other patients paid like 750 thb for consultation, we paid arround 4000 thb

the delivery inthe hospital without a plan is 32.000 thb ,when our son was born, l got a bill of almost 90.000 thb, ...l asked them what and why

this bill is so high and different from what agreed before, they answered me ..;" you are farang, you can afford it ! "

why the hell would you pay it? More like the rich chinese capitalist telling you to say this who owns the place can afford to pay it. No wonder they screw the farangs because you put up with it.

[NeverSure]

I don't even need to read the thread! Gov. urges price reductions! It's done! Tomorrow! Open heart surgery, 20 baht, two for the price of one!

[billaaa777]

Th

at is EXACTLY why ALL health services should be run at cost by
efficient Government services and NEVER privately profit motivated. I
totally abhor making money out of peoples misfortunes and ill health
(same with childrens' educations). Sure doctors and nurses and
others working in the healthcare system should be remunerated fairly
according to their skills and efficiency, but please no blatant non
value added greedy money making destructive profits. Basic and good
healthcare should be a right of ALL citizens in a civilised country as
indeed it is in the UK, and all such socially minded countries should
have a mutual agreement to share such free care for their citizens (as
they do in many European countries).

Hospitals should be build for the people by the people and paid for
out of fair income / profit related taxation. Capitalism can be good in
many respects but in healthcare we must have a Socialist system to be
fair and beneficial to all people. Capitalism and Socialism BOTH have
good and bad points you have to realise, so just leave Capitalism out of
basic healthcare Healthcare should be available free and for all
based entirely on medical need and urgency with no immoral queue jumping
just because some a'hole has money and wants to jump ahead of others in
more need.

Oh before any right wing idiots start, I am nether Capitalist nor
Socialist but a bit of both and accept that there is a correct centre
way that embraces all that is good from both those undesirable
destructive extremes, As far as Healthcare is concerned (and most other
things too) then peoples' well being is far more important than money
making. People must always come first, money well after that.

That was without question, one of the best quotes ever placed on this site.

And, I agree with everything that you wrote %100.

[Om85]

For a foreigner it might look like the cost of medical treatment in Thailand is very cheap but the truth is that for the common Thai people is very, very expensive, specially when you go to a private hospital and buy ur medicine ther, the prices of something so simple as an antibiotic very often is 30 times more expensive than if you go to a normal drugstore and buy it for yourself, so hope the goverment improve this situation because this is something that is a very important issue for must of the people, amen:wai2:

You do not have to buy medicine at any hospital here in Thailand - after being treated/diagnosed by the doctor you can ask for the medical prescription and take it to a drugstore if you wish

Well, the times that I hav gone to Central General Hospital in Poholyothin road, the doctor hav never gave me any prescription, in the pharmacy they always gave me the medicines after I hav pay the bills and they indicate me how to take them .

[Soi Dog]

WHile I agree that private hospitals are getting to be more like factories where doctors spend as little time with patients as possible and prescribe as many drugs as possible, it is also true that they generally provide top notch care at prices that compare very favorably to, say, the US. This also keeps insurance premiums for even high end plans well below the premiums I would pay in the US for basic coverage with huge deductibles. I would much rather let the free market determine pricing than the government. If the private hospitals are no longer competitive internationally, the market will force them to adjust. If the government tries to set pricing, there will be a reduction in quality or availability or both. We see this time and time again when the government tries to outsmart markets and the markets always bites back.

[itchybum]

patients can refuse buying meds from hospitals. but the crocodiles (private hospitals) have countered this by not handing out any prescriptions accomplished through their electronic system. after the consultation, the nurse leads you out of the consultation room then tells you got to the cashier and pay. then off to meet the pharmacist for the meds and a couple of next to useless instructions and you're "free" to go. no opportunity to refuse the overpriced meds! this is how it goes at payathai 2 hospital, at least.

the pricing scheme of private hospitals is aimed at the filthy rich and insured patients. for those not too familiar with the "system", it quickly becomes a case of "never again".

Like I said before, plenty of opportunity.

When you get the bill and before you pay it, ask to see the breakdown list and medication list. They have to give it to you to scrutinise the bill before payment, if you request it, unless you are a gimp and just pay.

Then tell them you do not want any of the medication, keep the list and go pay the balance, then get you drugs elsewhere.

[MaiChai]

For a foreigner it might look like the cost of medical treatment in Thailand is very cheap but the truth is that for the common Thai people is very, very expensive, specially when you go to a private hospital and buy ur medicine ther, the prices of something so simple as an antibiotic very often is 30 times more expensive than if you go to a normal drugstore and buy it for yourself, so hope the goverment improve this situation because this is something that is a very important issue for must of the people, amen

I have to disagree with you. My Thai wife has been in and out of hospital for the last two years and the prices are not cheap by western standards. In UK pounds we have had to fork out 10 to 15 thousand pounds.

I think it's a very good idea that private hospitals have their prices controlled and bills have to be fully itemized. When someone needs a life threatening operation they hold a gun against your head; pay or die.

Edited April 28, 2013 by MaiChai

[hellodolly]

For a foreigner it might look like the cost of medical treatment in Thailand is very cheap but the truth is that for the common Thai people is very, very expensive, specially when you go to a private hospital and buy ur medicine ther, the prices of something so simple as an antibiotic very often is 30 times more expensive than if you go to a normal drugstore and buy it for yourself, so hope the goverment improve this situation because this is something that is a very important issue for must of the people, amen

I have to disagree with you. My Thai wife has been in and out of hospital for the last two years and the prices are not cheap by western standards. In UK pounds we have had to fork out 10 to 15 thousand pounds.

I think it's a very good idea that private hospitals have their prices controlled and bills have to be fully itemized. When someone needs a life threatening operation they hold a gun against your head; pay or die.

Why do you not go to the government hospitals they are cheaper. Or get insurance?

I am having a really hard time here believing that there are no government hospitals available.

If people go to private hospitals because they feel they can get better service or better treatment why would they want the private hospitals to charge the same as the hospitals they feel are inferior.

Do you go to Thai air and say You can get the flight cheaper with Air Asia and expect them to drop there price?

[brfsa2]

I had a great service at the Chula government hospital.

Had a deep cut on my hand. I got injection and also stitches right away, only paid 200-300 baht I cant remember.

it would have cost 2000-3000 baht at any private hospital.

it was even at mid night! the nurses at the doctor were great!

[Om85]

For a foreigner it might look like the cost of medical treatment in Thailand is very cheap but the truth is that for the common Thai people is very, very expensive, specially when you go to a private hospital and buy ur medicine ther, the prices of something so simple as an antibiotic very often is 30 times more expensive than if you go to a normal drugstore and buy it for yourself, so hope the goverment improve this situation because this is something that is a very important issue for must of the people, amen

I have to disagree with you. My Thai wife has been in and out of hospital for the last two years and the prices are not cheap by western standards. In UK pounds we have had to fork out 10 to 15 thousand pounds.

I think it's a very good idea that private hospitals have their prices controlled and bills have to be fully itemized. When someone needs a life threatening operation they hold a gun against your head; pay or die.

Why do you not go to the government hospitals they are cheaper. Or get insurance?

I am having a really hard time here believing that there are no government hospitals available.

If people go to private hospitals because they feel they can get better service or better treatment why would they want the private hospitals to charge the same as the hospitals they feel are inferior.

Do you go to Thai air and say You can get the flight cheaper with Air Asia and expect them to drop there price?

That's not what I talking about, what I am talking about is tha abussive prisses that they charge you.

[rayw]

There is also the issue medicine is a business as are hospitals. A recent op on a mate and 168,000 later and results of the lab tests showed only 20% of 'bits' removed was necessary. Insurance did not cover this 'type' of surgery according to the 'private' hospital. Misdiagnosis and over zealous surgeons making money. However, having said that, if entrepreneurs have the capital to set up a hospital they should be able to expect a ROI based on pricing etc. So the rates they charge are really at their behest. I don't think the govt has any say in this.

That is EXACTLY why ALL health services should be run at cost by efficient Government services and NEVER privately profit motivated. I totally abhor making money out of peoples misfortunes and ill health (same with childrens' educations). Sure doctors and nurses and others working in the healthcare system should be remunerated fairly according to their skills and efficiency, but please no blatant non value added greedy money making destructive profits. Basic and good healthcare should be a right of ALL citizens in a civilised country as indeed it is in the UK, and all such socially minded countries should have a mutual agreement to share such free care for their citizens (as they do in many European countries).

Hospitals should be build for the people by the people and paid for out of fair income / profit related taxation. Capitalism can be good in many respects but in healthcare we must have a Socialist system to be fair and beneficial to all people. Capitalism and Socialism BOTH have good and bad points you have to realise, so just leave Capitalism out of basic healthcare Healthcare should be available free and for all based entirely on medical need and urgency with no immoral queue jumping just because some a'hole has money and wants to jump ahead of others in more need.

Oh before any right wing idiots start, I am nether Capitalist nor Socialist but a bit of both and accept that there is a correct centre way that embraces all that is good from both those undesirable destructive extremes, As far as Healthcare is concerned (and most other things too) then peoples' well being is far more important than money making. People must always come first, money well after that.

I can see what you are saying however IF you want prompt medical non urgent treatment the Public hospital system isn't always the most convenient alternative. You can wait for 7 (or forever) years to get a tooth fixed if you are on a pension in Oz

But to leave it to evil and excessive levels of profit making private companies who care almost exclusively about their profit margins is not the answer. Personally it is the private sector that IS the problem as it bleeds off of a properly run state free system by pulling the best resources and personnel over just for those that can afford it rather than those folk most in need. That is what to me is unpalatable and unacceptable, and although is maybe human nature in many to selfishly jump queues ahead of those in more need, if you have the money and no conscience, I think it should be made highly illegal being so anti social and selfish. Making it illegal would therefore remove the temptation as it would just not exist, but you must have a proper state health system in place first to deal with all basic healthcare from dentistry, eye problems, surgical to diseases and infections etc..

I do accept that as a falang here we sadly have no reciprocal arrangements with our own nation's free health care services so have no other choice though other than to sensibly take out health insurance and use the private hospitals. But I do strongly resent their fantastic and immorally high charges and profit levels. Remember, because of those excessive high charges, our insurance premiums are likely set at over double what they should and need to be.

If you moved all the resources in the private sector by carefully planned and needed nationalisation over to a non profit making state run health system, still paying the qualified staff well as currently in the private sector, then those waiting lists would shrink down and urgency would be based solely on how critical a patient's needs were. Ideally those waiting lists would end up very short and with the costs paid for out of properly apportioned taxation falling on those who already take the most out of our societies, it should be a very efficient and good health service for ALL not just the elite few,

Some may say these free health ideas are too radical. Well they really are not, and in fact are most desirable, fair and WILL lead to a better, happier and healthier society if we can just forget making money out of it peoples' ill health and misfortune for a change. Yes this may sound a socialist idea and it probably is, so shows that no matter what our political bent we should accept what is good, fair and positive (like free health care for all) from any side of the political spectrum and stop being so destructively dogmatic.

[hellodolly]

For a foreigner it might look like the cost of medical treatment in Thailand is very cheap but the truth is that for the common Thai people is very, very expensive, specially when you go to a private hospital and buy ur medicine ther, the prices of something so simple as an antibiotic very often is 30 times more expensive than if you go to a normal drugstore and buy it for yourself, so hope the goverment improve this situation because this is something that is a very important issue for must of the people, amen

I have to disagree with you. My Thai wife has been in and out of hospital for the last two years and the prices are not cheap by western standards. In UK pounds we have had to fork out 10 to 15 thousand pounds.

I think it's a very good idea that private hospitals have their prices controlled and bills have to be fully itemized. When someone needs a life threatening operation they hold a gun against your head; pay or die.

Why do you not go to the government hospitals they are cheaper. Or get insurance?

I am having a really hard time here believing that there are no government hospitals available.

If people go to private hospitals because they feel they can get better service or better treatment why would they want the private hospitals to charge the same as the hospitals they feel are inferior.

Do you go to Thai air and say You can get the flight cheaper with Air Asia and expect them to drop there price?

That's not what I talking about, what I am talking about is tha abussive prisses that they charge you.

and I am talking about the better service plus the availability of superior equipment. the cost of the machinery for medical reasons is one of the reasons for the high cost of medicine in America that stuff does not come cheap.

Yes there are some government hospitals that have the equipment and do not charge the high prices. We have a good one here in Chiang Mai but they do not have to answer to share holders who rightfully expect a profit on their investment. They answer to a government that has no interest in profit. Deficit debt is there way of operating. I repeat go to a government hospital if that is the price you want to pay.

You don't go into a Nissan dealer and demand the top of the line Rolls Royce at the price of a Nissan.

[Om85]

I have to disagree with you. My Thai wife has been in and out of hospital for the last two years and the prices are not cheap by western standards. In UK pounds we have had to fork out 10 to 15 thousand pounds.

I think it's a very good idea that private hospitals have their prices controlled and bills have to be fully itemized. When someone needs a life threatening operation they hold a gun against your head; pay or die.

Why do you not go to the government hospitals they are cheaper. Or get insurance?

I am having a really hard time here believing that there are no government hospitals available.

If people go to private hospitals because they feel they can get better service or better treatment why would they want the private hospitals to charge the same as the hospitals they feel are inferior.

Do you go to Thai air and say You can get the flight cheaper with Air Asia and expect them to drop there price?

That's not what I talking about, what I am talking about is tha abussive prisses that they charge you.

and I am talking about the better service plus the availability of superior equipment. the cost of the machinery for medical reasons is one of the reasons for the high cost of medicine in America that stuff does not come cheap.

Yes there are some government hospitals that have the equipment and do not charge the high prices. We have a good one here in Chiang Mai but they do not have to answer to share holders who rightfully expect a profit on their investment. They answer to a government that has no interest in profit. Deficit debt is there way of operating. I repeat go to a government hospital if that is the price you want to pay.

You don't go into a Nissan dealer and demand the top of the line Rolls Royce at the price of a Nissan.

As I told you already, that's not what I am talking about, I am talking about the cost of medicines, there is absolutelly no reason for charging you 500 bat for and antibiotic that you can buy at any drugstore for only 80 bat.

[somtampet]

For a foreigner it might look like the cost of medical treatment in Thailand is very cheap but the truth is that for the common Thai people is very, very expensive, specially when you go to a private hospital and buy ur medicine ther, the prices of something so simple as an antibiotic very often is 30 times more expensive than if you go to a normal drugstore and buy it for yourself, so hope the goverment improve this situation because this is something that is a very important issue for must of the people, amen

Totaly disagree.

There are 100,s of thousands COMMON THAI PEOPLE,like my gf who works for a living and pays 400 baht a month,to contribute to company medical insurance,and that includes top private hospitals.Which common people are u talking about then,the ones who live on the street??????

[Om85]

For a foreigner it might look like the cost of medical treatment in Thailand is very cheap but the truth is that for the common Thai people is very, very expensive, specially when you go to a private hospital and buy ur medicine ther, the prices of something so simple as an antibiotic very often is 30 times more expensive than if you go to a normal drugstore and buy it for yourself, so hope the goverment improve this situation because this is something that is a very important issue for must of the people, amen

Totaly disagree.

There are 100,s of thousands COMMON THAI PEOPLE,like my gf who works for a living and pays 400 baht a month,to contribute to company medical insurance,and that includes top private hospitals.Which common people are u talking about then,the ones who live on the street??????

Of the common thai people that I know that dont even understand what a medical insurance is, working class etc.