Thai govt urged to find new funds for health security

[webfact]

Govt urged to find new funds for health security
Pongphon Sarnsamak
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Given the rising cost of the country's healthcare funds, prominent health economists yesterday urged the government to seek alternative financial sources to support medical insurance schemes.

Collecting tax from the sale of unhealthy food products such as fast food and soft drinks - as well as from airfares and luxury products - would be a potential source of financing for the healthcare funds, according to International Health Policy Programme Thailand director Dr Phusit Prakongsai. He was speaking at a seminar titled "New Thoughts for Thailand's Health Security System" at the Thailand Development Research Institute.

He said Thailand in the near future would need a lot more funds for medical services, as it now faces new healthcare burdens such as an elderly population increase and the rising number of patients suffering from road-accident injuries, non-communicable diseases, diabetes, alcohol-related illnesses and HIV/AIDS.

These healthcare burdens require a lot of money to invest in health promotion and prevention programmes for communicable and non-communicable diseases, he said.

"The government should play a pro-active role in handling these health burdens," he said.

To date, the government has spent only 5 per cent of the total healthcare budget for health promotion and prevention programmes.

In 2004, the Thai government spent Bt100 billion to provide medical services to 48 million National Health Security Fund members and Bt25 million for the Social Security Scheme to provide health benefits for 9.9 million subscribers.

The government also spent Bt61 billion to support the Civil Servant Medical Benefit covering 4.4 million people.

Meanwhile, prominent economist Ammar Siamwalla suggested the government should collect tax from medical services provided to foreign patients via private hospitals, in order to use this tax money to support healthcare schemes and medical personnel. He said private hospitals benefited from the government's medical manpower.

TDRI scholar Duenden Nikomborirak urged the government to harmonise the management of the country's three national healthcare schemes, to handle rising healthcare costs and to reduce the bag of medical services among these schemes.

For example, the basic essential medical services for all Thais should be provided and managed by the National Health Security Fund, she said, while the extra medical services - such as receiving medical services at private hospitals or compensation for maternity leave for eligible subscribers - should be provided by the Social Security Fund and Civil Servant Medical Benefit Fund.


-- The Nation 2013-07-02

[OzMick]

He said Thailand in the near future would need a lot more funds for medical services, but taxpayer's funds are being flushed down the rice hole.

[jaltsc]

"He said Thailand in the near future would need a lot more funds for medical services, as it now faces new healthcare burdens such as an elderly population increase and the rising number of patients suffering from road-accident injuries, non-communicable diseases, diabetes, alcohol-related illnesses ."

Of course, that would require drivers of all vehicles to pass legitimate drivers tests, effectively enforcing road laws (including drunk driving), and stop glorifying obese children as being a sign of prosperity. Basically....Stop thinking and acting Thai.

Edited July 2, 2013 by jaltsc

[worgeordie]

They need to sell some rice quickly, start today, better get rid

of it at a loss, as it costing money in storage costs,better the

people get treated for illness ,than have this mess.

regards Worgeordie

[camerata]

Meanwhile, prominent economist Ammar Siamwalla suggested the government should collect tax from medical services provided to foreign patients via private hospitals, in order to use this tax money to support healthcare schemes and medical personnel.

Let's hope this idea isn't taken seriously. Not all foreigners are rich tourists.

[chooka]

Charging 25 million tourists a couple of thousand baht each when they arrive at the airport will probably cover it.

[Bagwan]

Meanwhile, prominent economist Ammar Siamwalla suggested the government should collect tax from medical services provided to foreign patients via private hospitals, in order to use this tax money to support healthcare schemes and medical personnel.

Let's hope this idea isn't taken seriously. Not all foreigners are rich tourists.

Doesn't this economist think that patients attending private hospitals get ripped off enough already? I see no reason why farangs should pay for the treatment of an alcoholic rot gut drinker. I understand that in NHS hospitals those deemed to have self induced injury go to the back of the queue for treatment.

[NeverSure]

Charging 25 million tourists a couple of thousand baht each when they arrive at the airport will probably cover it.

I seriously doubt that Thailand has 20+ million tourists. Every real report I see, they count "entries" which could include visa runs and people visiting other countries for a holiday and then returning. I'm sure people would just love to pay a bunch of money for each entry, especially when they aren't the ones covered by the health plan.

Thailand is fast losing its right to call itself a budget place to go.

[hellodolly]

Is a noodle stand considered a fast food stand?

I notice they say nothing about spending the money they are allotted under the budget on just health care. So bye bye to 30% of it.

Or how about the 30 baht charge that cost the system 50 baht to handle. Net loss 20 baht.

Small things yes but the 30% graft is not small and why not divert money into medical and education from the TAT Thailand is well known as a holiday destination.

If they continue to insist on medical insurance for tourists they could set up there own policy. Companies who issue medical insurance make money.

[hellodolly]

Charging 25 million tourists a couple of thousand baht each when they arrive at the airport will probably cover it.

I seriously doubt that Thailand has 20+ million tourists. Every real report I see, they count "entries" which could include visa runs and people visiting other countries for a holiday and then returning. I'm sure people would just love to pay a bunch of money for each entry, especially when they aren't the ones covered by the health plan.

Thailand is fast losing its right to call itself a budget place to go.

You are correct to a point. Some one just passing through to another country would not need to purchase it unless they planned on staying a few days. As for the visa runners they might want to consider a medical plan.

My concern would be with the ones who are over 71 and unable to purchase medical insurance even if they are in good health and Physically fit.

[jamhar]

Charging 25 million tourists a couple of thousand baht each when they arrive at the airport will probably cover it.

A change in visa cost like that would probably be reciprocated by other nations on Thai travel abroad.

Also a drop in the number of visitors to Thailand because of the visa entry costs, (5%?, 10%?)

would quickly negate any benefit from the increased visa tax.

I would strongly suggest a cost/benefit impact study prior to any action like this

but hey, its your country, knock your self out.

For me, there's always Cambodia ,Vietnam, ect. as an option