State universal health care service wins people’s confidence of its quality

[rooster59]

State universal health care service wins people’s confidence of its quality

 

BANGKOK:-- Thailand's universal health care programme has won popularity and confidence with latest survey revealing the majority of Thai people were happy and satisfied with the service.

The survey showed the health care service scored 8.73 points from a scale of 10 on satisfaction.

The survey was released by the National Health Security Office upon calling on a review and assessment of the country’s universal health care programme.

National Health Security Office chairman Piyasakol Sakulstttayathorn said that the 2016 survey showed that approximately 91% of Thais have used the service so far.

But more importantly, it showed that around 78% of Thais understand that the universal health care service is their basic right under the country’s law.

Full story: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/state-universal-health-care-service-wins-peoples-confidence-quality/

 

-- © Copyright Thai PBS 2016-09-03

 

 

[Borzandy]

" the majority of Thai people were happy " they don't have any other choice.

[impulse]

34 minutes ago, Borzandy said:

" the majority of Thai people were happy " they don't have any other choice.

 

Run the same survey in the UK.  Or Canada.  They have about the same level of choice.  And I'll bet the results would be quite different.

[Toknarok]

     I well remember the health 'care' that the Thai populace had to endure before the introduction of the universal 30 baht scheme. The scheme isn't perfect by any means but is a vast improvement on what was available prior to its introduction.

     Here's a perfect example involving a member of my family. My wife was diagnosed with stage two breast cancer about 9 months ago. This diagnosis involved a series of tests. She then had a mastectomy, followed by a full course of chemotherapy and that being followed by a full course of radiation treatment. This has been followed by a series of follow-up visits together with the prescription of numerous drugs for her complaint. The prognosis at this stage (I'm glad to say) is good.

     Yesterday she went to see her oncologist for her routine check up. The specialist had her complete file at the appointment. My wife was able to see the total cost of her treatment from the initial visit to the doctor with pains in her breast up to the latest consultation. The total cost OVER ONE MILLION BAHT. No wonder the Thai public are happy with the service provided.

    I didn't like Thaksin for many things that he did, but his introducing the health scheme I have to give hin great credit for.

[Torrens54]

Err... and what about the Long Suffering Ferangs?

We USED to have a similar scheme. It was excellent, then the Current Government DITCHED it... and we FERANGS with it.

 

Considering all the money that Expats pump into the Thai Economy every WEEK, it would behoove the Government to re introduce it, even if only to keep us alive so we can keep on pumping money into the economy.

Edited September 3, 2016 by Torrens54
tightening up layout.

[impulse]

6 hours ago, Torrens54 said:

Err... and what about the Long Suffering Ferangs?

We USED to have a similar scheme. It was excellent, then the Current Government DITCHED it... and we FERANGS with it.

 

Considering all the money that Expats pump into the Thai Economy every WEEK, it would behoove the Government to re introduce it, even if only to keep us alive so we can keep on pumping money into the economy.

  

If any expats can't spring for health insurance, I doubt they're pumping that much into the economy.  

 

If any rich expats don't want to spring for health insurance, then they need to be ready for the outcome, and not put the burden on the Thai people's tax rolls.

 

 

Edited September 4, 2016 by impulse

[aussieinthailand]

8.73% out of 10,   ok but I guess I'm spoilt in comparison to the national health system in OZ, and yes I know apples and oranges.

Yes it is far better than what was available before it was introduced by the Thaksin government.

But still has a long way to go. My wife would have been dead 2 years ago without it. After 4 day's in ICU and over 500,000. BHT latter then followed by six months treatment of around 300,000 TBH and still on going for life, which has put a large dent in my bank balance, before she could register for the 30 baht program.  

I don't agree it's a national health care system if you can only access the 30 baht scheme if you are at the hospital you are registered at.

So don't get sick or have an accident away from home.

My wife has to wait between 1and 3 hours for her medical file each time she has her appointment at just one of the four hospitals she is required to go too under the current health scheme due to the over crowding and corruption in the system.

[sahibji]

17 hours ago, Borzandy said:

" the majority of Thai people were happy " they don't have any other choice.

at least they have been given an alternative.

[sahibji]

2 hours ago, impulse said:

  

If any expats can't spring for health insurance, I doubt they're pumping that much into the economy.  

 

If any rich expats don't want to spring for health insurance, then they need to be ready for the outcome, and not put the burden on the Thai people's tax rolls.

 

 

on what basis are farang  demanding this right? you are pumping money in the economy and are also benefiting from the

investment.

[impulse]

42 minutes ago, sahibji said:

on what basis are farang  demanding this right? you are pumping money in the economy and are also benefiting from the

investment.

 

That's like saying Disneyland is providing health insurance to its employees, so they should provide it to their paying guests.

 

I can just picture busloads of people with long term, chronic health issues unloading in Disneyland, having a few days of fun, then lining up at the hospital to claim their health care benefits.  

 

Or planeloads in Thailand.  Then they'll run out of money and nobody will get the 30 baht care.

[Toknarok]

       When the 30 baht health benefit scheme was available to us farangs ( it was stopped Oct '14) it was only available to those that were resident in Thailand. In other words you had to be in possession of the yellow book, and only a limited number of these books are issued every year. In addition (like Thais) farangs had to register at the hospital where they were to receive their treatment. You could not simply go to any hospital, if you needed treatment at another hospital you needed a referral from your designated hospital.

      Therefore the notion that planeloads of foreigners would simply rock up in Thailand and queue up at the nearest hospital for treatment is nonsense.

[JayBeeee]

3 hours ago, impulse said:

  

If any expats can't spring for health insurance, I doubt they're pumping that much into the economy.  

 

If any rich expats don't want to spring for health insurance, then they need to be ready for the outcome, and not put the burden on the Thai people's tax rolls.

 

 

What of the many foreign residents who aren't rich; just getting by on their earnings, like Thais? Paying taxes, like Thais? putting what they earn back into the country's economy, like Thais? have family who are Thai citizens? have a home and a life here?

Shouldn't all residents be entitled to equal opportunity and access to services?

 

I know that anyone who is resident in the UK qualifies for free access to the National Health System services; and I think that comes only six weeks after entering the country.

 

Any foreigner working in Thailand is likely to be paying more tax than the average Thai person; why should they not qualify for equal benefits?

[Kwasaki]

10 hours ago, Torrens54 said:

Err... and what about the Long Suffering Ferangs?

We USED to have a similar scheme. It was excellent, then the Current Government DITCHED it... and we FERANGS with it.

 

Considering all the money that Expats pump into the Thai Economy every WEEK, it would behoove the Government to re introduce it, even if only to keep us alive so we can keep on pumping money into the economy.

 

Long Suffering !!  you'll always get one here.

Yeah l used the scheme a couple of times before as said it was stopped.

I will still go to the same hospital again when l need to and have done so,  costs have been under 1000 bht.

So now as expat falangie pumping money into the economy whatever that's supposed to mean,  l pump it into a Thai health insurance.

[Kwasaki]

2 minutes ago, JayBeeee said:

What of the many foreign residents who aren't rich; just getting by on their earnings, like Thais? Paying taxes, like Thais? putting what they earn back into the country's economy, like Thais? have family who are Thai citizens? have a home and a life here?

Shouldn't all residents be entitled to equal opportunity and access to services?

 

I know that anyone who is resident in the UK qualifies for free access to the National Health System services; and I think that comes only six weeks after entering the country.

 

Any foreigner working in Thailand is likely to be paying more tax than the average Thai person; why should they not qualify for equal benefits?

 

With respect I think you should educate yourself a bit more before making misinformed posts like this.

[JayBeeee]

18 minutes ago, Kwasaki said:

 

With respect I think you should educate yourself a bit more before making misinformed posts like this.

With equal respect, you could perhaps tell me where you think I'm mistaken; that's how forums work!

[billd766]

6 minutes ago, JayBeeee said:

With equal respect, you could perhaps tell me where you think I'm mistaken; that's how forums work!

 

I have been out of the UK for many years and if I go back to the UK and need hospital treatment (other than emergency treatment) I now have to pay 150% of the hospital bill, despite paying into the system for 50 years and only using it twice when I was a young boy. This is for the first 6 months.

[JayBeeee]

10 minutes ago, billd766 said:

 

I have been out of the UK for many years and if I go back to the UK and need hospital treatment (other than emergency treatment) I now have to pay 150% of the hospital bill, despite paying into the system for 50 years and only using it twice when I was a young boy. This is for the first 6 months.

That's harsh!

Yes, it was a while ago. I was enquiring on the NHS helpline, must be five or six years ago, when my wife and I were considering going there for a year or two to earn some money. The iinformation I stated was what I was told back then. I wasn't aware of any changes in policy. But it would seem from your account that it's still dictated by the 'residency' factor; in your case, that you are no longer resident.

So, it's now six months! Is the same criteria still applicable to foreign redidents?

 

But the point of my argument still applies: Not all farrang in Thailand are retired rich living on fat pensions. Equal input deserves equal benefit!

[Kwasaki]

10 minutes ago, JayBeeee said:

With equal respect, you could perhaps tell me where you think I'm mistaken; that's how forums work!

 

OK then  I'll try  

 

Quote :-  What of the many foreign residents who aren't rich; just getting by on their earnings, like Thais? Paying taxes, like Thais? putting what they earn back into the country's economy, like Thais? have family who are Thai citizens? have a home and a life here?

Shouldn't all residents be entitled to equal opportunity and access to services? ..Unquote.

 

A Thai residence getting state health care of coarse and residency can be obtained by foreigners if they wish to be Thai citizens although for many and some it's difficult.  

Aliens setting up here as you state with families, jobs etc etc should be fully aware of their status when encroaching upon such a life in Thailand also the position they are placing themselves in and should not assume everything will be hunky dory.

 

Quote :-   I know that anyone who is resident in the UK qualifies for free access to the National Health System services; and I think that comes only six weeks after entering the country...Unquote.

 

A UK resident or ex-resident can get immediate NHS treatment on arrival at a UK hospital.

Visitors on the other hand maybe but the answer to that is not straightforward and can get quite complicated. 

e.g. My Thai wife of her time in England was not allowed NHS care it had to be paid for l got her travel insurance that covered her, if she had stayed in England for 2 years things could of changed for her,  l do not know what the present situation is now for Thai visitors to UK.

 

 

Any foreigner working in Thailand is likely to be paying more tax than the average Thai person; why should they not qualify for equal benefits?

 

Because there foreigners answers your question,  as for more tax I am not aware of such a thing and friends of mine who have worked here for many years said that is nonsense,  one thing they mentioned which they were aware of was an amount being taken for insurance purposes but it turned out not a bad idea for them to pay it because it was a small cost and of some benefit.

 

Hope this helps and be a happy alien. 

 

 

[brianinbangkok]

With equal respect, you could perhaps tell me where you think I'm mistaken; that's how forums work!

Well if your working and paying tax in Thailand you should be getting healthcare coverage , its not the 30bt scheme as they take about 430bt out your paycheck each month to pay for the insurance.

As long as you keep paying this fee you can keep it going even after the job ends till you reach retirement age.

As far as the 30bt scheme I think its great the Thai poor get this and it should be limited to Thai nationals.

Why should it be available to foreigners so it can go bankrupt like its going in the UK with all the medical costs for visiting EU members ?

Why should UK or Thai tax payers have to pay for foreign guests with pre existing health issues ?

So it is unfair to a foreigner who lived , worked and paid tax in Thailand for many years maybe they should be included.

But that group should be the only foreigners in the 30 bt scheme

[impulse]

2 hours ago, JayBeeee said:

Any foreigner working in Thailand is likely to be paying more tax than the average Thai person; why should they not qualify for equal benefits?

 

Be careful what you wish for.  Rather than throw that expense to the taxpayers, a more reasonable approach would be to require all employers of foreigners to provide them with adequate health insurance.  Or to require all foreign workers (or, even all long term foreign residents) to demonstrate adequate health insurance beofore their stay is extended.  (And as brianinbangkok indicated, there is some level of coverage for foreigners working legally and paying into the social fund)

 

Comparing to NHS isn't really fair because any Brit who can afford a plane ticket can come to Thailand.  Thais wanting to visit the UK are vetted with an eye toward whether there's an expectation that they will become a burden to the tax rolls of the UK.  I'm sure some Thais squeak through and do go on the dole.  But many more aren't even allowed to get on a plane to the UK.

[JayBeeee]

2 hours ago, Kwasaki said:

 

OK then  I'll try  

 

Quote :-  What of the many foreign residents who aren't rich; just getting by on their earnings, like Thais? Paying taxes, like Thais? putting what they earn back into the country's economy, like Thais? have family who are Thai citizens? have a home and a life here?

Shouldn't all residents be entitled to equal opportunity and access to services? ..Unquote.

 

A Thai residence getting state health care of coarse and residency can be obtained by foreigners if they wish to be Thai citizens although for many and some it's difficult.  

Aliens setting up here as you state with families, jobs etc etc should be fully aware of their status when encroaching upon such a life in Thailand also the position they are placing themselves in and should not assume everything will be hunky dory.

 

Quote :-   I know that anyone who is resident in the UK qualifies for free access to the National Health System services; and I think that comes only six weeks after entering the country...Unquote.

 

A UK resident or ex-resident can get immediate NHS treatment on arrival at a UK hospital.

Visitors on the other hand maybe but the answer to that is not straightforward and can get quite complicated. 

e.g. My Thai wife of her time in England was not allowed NHS care it had to be paid for l got her travel insurance that covered her, if she had stayed in England for 2 years things could of changed for her,  l do not know what the present situation is now for Thai visitors to UK.

 

 

Any foreigner working in Thailand is likely to be paying more tax than the average Thai person; why should they not qualify for equal benefits?

 

Because there foreigners answers your question,  as for more tax I am not aware of such a thing and friends of mine who have worked here for many years said that is nonsense,  one thing they mentioned which they were aware of was an amount being taken for insurance purposes but it turned out not a bad idea for them to pay it because it was a small cost and of some benefit.

 

Hope this helps and be a happy alien. 

 

 

I think you're getting many things confused.

Residence/resident, residency/citizenship, encroaching/embarking, should/do, paying more tax than the average Thai person/paying a higher rate of tax than Thai people.

So, what was the question your friends were answering, "nonsense" to? Because I'm pretty sure that most farrang working here earn far more than the 'average thai' and therefore pay more tax... than the 'average Thai'.

 

And you're saying that, "Because there[sic] foreigners" they SHOULD NOT get  equal benefits even when they are living and working here and paying tax like everyone else? I would say that's grounds to not pay tax!

 

Foreigners "should be fully aware of their status when encroaching upon such a life in Thailand..."

I believe somebody pointed out previously that things changed with the junta. Oh! It was you!

When I first came here, in Thaksin's day,  I was getting B30 health care like everyone else. Now I'm not!

 

"A UK resident or ex-resident can get immediate NHS treatment on arrival at a UK hospital".

According to 'billd766' in his personal experience of the matter (post ID:16, just before your response), that's not the case. It seems that things have changed since I got my information from the NHS hotline a few years ago. What I said was six weeks is actually six months, for British 'citizens'. Though it used to apply to anyone 'resident' in the UK for that period.... including foreigners, and I have no idea if/how that has changed. You didn't say how long your wife had been in the UK when she needed treatment.

 

I  think I'm beginning to remember why I closed two previous TVF accounts!

[JayBeeee]

4 hours ago, impulse said:

 

Be careful what you wish for.  Rather than throw that expense to the taxpayers, a more reasonable approach would be to require all employers of foreigners to provide them with adequate health insurance.  Or to require all foreign workers (or, even all long term foreign residents) to demonstrate adequate health insurance beofore their stay is extended.  (And as brianinbangkok indicated, there is some level of coverage for foreigners working legally and paying into the social fund)

 

Comparing to NHS isn't really fair because any Brit who can afford a plane ticket can come to Thailand.  Thais wanting to visit the UK are vetted with an eye toward whether there's an expectation that they will become a burden to the tax rolls of the UK.  I'm sure some Thais squeak through and do go on the dole.  But many more aren't even allowed to get on a plane to the UK.

 

"Rather than throw that expense to the taxpayers".

But we're talking about people who ARE tax payers! Where they were born on this earth should make no difference. If they're paying tax, like the lower percentage of Thais who do so, they are already paying for the service and SHOULD get what they pay for!

 

I missed the point regarding plane tickets and who can go where. But I think that anyone who qualifies as being 'resident' in any country should qualify for the services available to the residents of that country

 

Also, how can you call it a Universal Health Care Service if it's not open to everyone? Not even everyone who pays for it!

[impulse]

15 minutes ago, JayBeeee said:

 

"Rather than throw that expense to the taxpayers".

But we're talking about people who ARE tax payers! Where they were born on this earth should make no difference. If they're paying tax, like the lower percentage of Thais who do so, they are already paying for the service and SHOULD get what they pay for.

 

You and I have a fundamental disagreement about the nature of Thailand.  I'm not sure who's right.  I may be way wrong on this one.

 

I look at Thailand as a conglomerate like Disney, run to benefit the owners.  In Disney's case, that's the stockholders.  In Thailand's case, that's theoretically the citizens.  (In each case, there are "owners" who get preferential rights and benefits, but that's another topic for another thread)  And in both cases, the hospitality part (Hotels, theme parks, tourist spots, beaches, etc) are only part of the business.  Then there's movies and merchandising  (Disney), rice farming and tuna fishing (Thailand), etc.

 

Just as Disney invites outsiders to their theme parks to spend money that benefits the stockholders, Thailand invites foreigners in to benefit its citizens.  Neither one is doing it to benefit their visitors beyond getting the visitors' money and hopefully wanting them to come back to spend more.  Period.  Disney doesn't provide health care to their theme park visitors, and neither does Thailand.  To me, that seems perfectly natural.  If you want health care coverage while you're staying at Walt Disney World, buy insurance.  If you want health care coverage while you're delivering ice cream to Disneyland, buy insurance.

Edited September 4, 2016 by impulse

[Kwasaki]

1 hour ago, JayBeeee said:

I think you're getting many things confused.

Residence/resident, residency/citizenship, encroaching/embarking, should/do, paying more tax than the average Thai person/paying a higher rate of tax than Thai people.

So, what was the question your friends were answering, "nonsense" to? Because I'm pretty sure that most farrang working here earn far more than the 'average thai' and therefore pay more tax... than the 'average Thai'.

 

And you're saying that, "Because there[sic] foreigners" they SHOULD NOT get  equal benefits even when they are living and working here and paying tax like everyone else? I would say that's grounds to not pay tax!

 

Foreigners "should be fully aware of their status when encroaching upon such a life in Thailand..."

I believe somebody pointed out previously that things changed with the junta. Oh! It was you!

When I first came here, in Thaksin's day,  I was getting B30 health care like everyone else. Now I'm not!

 

"A UK resident or ex-resident can get immediate NHS treatment on arrival at a UK hospital".

According to 'billd766' in his personal experience of the matter (post ID:16, just before your response), that's not the case. It seems that things have changed since I got my information from the NHS hotline a few years ago. What I said was six weeks is actually six months, for British 'citizens'. Though it used to apply to anyone 'resident' in the UK for that period.... including foreigners, and I have no idea if/how that has changed. You didn't say how long your wife had been in the UK when she needed treatment.

 

I  think I'm beginning to remember why I closed two previous TVF accounts!

 

Well l have information living here and you have yours, well goodluck with that in cloud cuckoo land when you are in Thailand you have comply with it as it today and it can change, go and cry somewhere else.

[Hawk]

"Thai people were happy and satisfied with the service."

 

Simply not true, the service is slow due to massive overcrowding, the doctors generally are not interested in these patients and the medicine provided is normally of a low quality, usually between 5-10 paracetamols.

 

Any Thai with a bit of cash will go to a private clinic every time.

[JayBeeee]

28 minutes ago, impulse said:

 

You and I have a fundamental disagreement about the nature of Thailand.  I'm not sure who's right.  I may be way wrong on this one.

 

I look at Thailand as a conglomerate like Disney, run to benefit the owners.  In Disney's case, that's the stockholders.  In Thailand's case, that's theoretically the citizens.  (In each case, there are "owners" who get preferential rights and benefits, but that's another topic for another thread)  And in both cases, the hospitality part (Hotels, theme parks, tourist spots, beaches, etc) are only part of the business.  Then there's movies and merchandising  (Disney), rice farming and tuna fishing (Thailand), etc.

 

Just as Disney invites outsiders to their theme parks to spend money that benefits the stockholders, Thailand invites foreigners in to benefit its citizens.  Neither one is doing it to benefit their visitors beyond getting the visitors' money and hopefully wanting them to come back to spend more.  Period.  Disney doesn't provide health care to their theme park visitors, and neither does Thailand.  To me, that seems perfectly natural.  If you want health care coverage while you're staying at Walt Disney World, buy insurance.  If you want health care coverage while you're delivering ice cream to Disneyland, buy insurance.

I don't think it's a matter of who's right and who's wrong, simply a matter of perspective.  But quite refreshing when somebody in here says, 'I might be wrong'!

I can see how your analogy applies to the mass of tourists who come and go, there's no justifyable reason why they should benefit from Thailand's subsidised health system, though I think emergency medical care should be available to anyone, anywhere in the world, irrespective of whether they can pay for it or not.

But we're talking about every-day health services, and those of us who live here like normal folk, paying our way, paying tax and all the extras that we seem to be obliged to pay, haven't left the country for years, and fully intend to be here for the rest of our lives. Why should we be treated like alien visitors, when we're just as much part of Thai society as anyone? And why the hell should we be taxed at the same rate as those Thais who pay it, if we don't get the same benefits.  There are many Thais who are far wealthier than any resident foreigner who qualfy for free health care, so the popular point of, 'rich farrang can afford it' isn't viable here! There are farmers in our village who are wealthier than me!

[JayBeeee]

7 minutes ago, Kwasaki said:

 

Well l have information living here and you have yours, well goodluck with that in cloud cuckoo land when you are in Thailand you have comply with it as it today and it can change, go and cry somewhere else.

Stop being such a sad little boy! Learn to communicate like a grown-up.

[Kwasaki]

3 minutes ago, JayBeeee said:

Stop being such a sad little boy! Learn to communicate like a grown-up.

 

Sorry you have that attitude and  l'm Ok with that l have had children of my own,,  you have a lot to learn living in Thailand and your insulting remarks just shows what a little ignorant boy you are,  so continue with your reiterate and goodluck with that. 

[JayBeeee]

1 hour ago, Kwasaki said:

 

Sorry you have that attitude and  l'm Ok with that l have had children of my own,,  you have a lot to learn living in Thailand and your insulting remarks just shows what a little ignorant boy you are,  so continue with your reiterate and goodluck with that. 

Ok! No problem! Text doesn't have eyes!

[JayBeeee]

1 hour ago, JayBeeee said:

I don't think it's a matter of who's right and who's wrong, simply a matter of perspective.  But quite refreshing when somebody in here says, 'I might be wrong'!

I can see how your analogy applies to the mass of tourists who come and go, there's no justifyable reason why they should benefit from Thailand's subsidised health system, though I think emergency medical care should be available to anyone, anywhere in the world, irrespective of whether they can pay for it or not.

But we're talking about every-day health services, and those of us who live here like normal folk, paying our way, paying tax and all the extras that we seem to be obliged to pay, haven't left the country for years, and fully intend to be here for the rest of our lives. Why should we be treated like alien visitors, when we're just as much part of Thai society as anyone? And why the hell should we be taxed at the same rate as those Thais who pay it, if we don't get the same benefits.  There are many Thais who are far wealthier than any resident foreigner who qualfy for free health care, so the popular point of, 'rich farrang can afford it' isn't viable here! There are farmers in our village who are wealthier than me!

... and I've spent more than ฿14m in Thailand since I've been here!