Universal healthcare to remain, says PM Prayut

[webfact]

Universal healthcare to remain, says PM
By The Nation

 

BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha insisted on Monday that his government will not stop the free universal healthcare programme.

 

He gave the pledge during a meeting of the strategic country administration committee, nicknamed by the press as the mini-Cabinet, at Government House at 9.30am.

 

Prayut said it was impossible for the government to stop the free healthcare programme.

 

He said the government wanted to integrate the free main healthcare funds of the Public Health Ministry, government officials and the Social Security Fund so healthcare services will be more efficient in terms of budget use.

 

The prime minister has often complained that the government was running out of money to provide free healthcare to the poor, leading to speculation free healthcare services will be stopped. 

 

This resulted in the government facing criticism for approving mega military procurements, including the submarine deal, instead of saving money to provide healthcare services.

 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/news/breakingnews/30317231

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2017-06-05

[LazySlipper]

Turn the submarines into floating hospitals when not on duty!

[SOUTHERNSTAR]

2 hours ago, LazySlipper said:

Turn the submarines into floating hospitals when not on duty!

You think they are going to float ?

[chrisinth]

Universal?

[Shroud]

He should get rid of it and buy more subs!

[YetAnother]

he was foolish to ever bring this up in the first place

[Bill Miller]

I think I recall reading that at one time there was a scheme for foreigner coverage as well.

Would a scheme for 2,000 baht premium for foreigners help offset the costs of the 30 baht program, d'ya suppose? Even include a percentage copay. I would subscribe.

[coulson]

I think I recall reading that at one time there was a scheme for foreigner coverage as well.
Would a scheme for 2,000 baht premium for foreigners help offset the costs of the 30 baht program, d'ya suppose? Even include a percentage copay. I would subscribe.

The 2000 baht scheme for foreigners is about to be implemented via vending machines located just prior to immigration. See another recent thread

[Bill Miller]

21 hours ago, coulson said:

 

The 2000 baht scheme for foreigners is about to be implemented via vending machines located just prior to immigration. See another recent thread

 

That is for tourist visa holders as far as O understood that article.

Those policies only cover for flights and the duration of stay for travelers, and are very bare bones.

I am talking about real health coverage for those of us who live here year round.

[coulson]

That is for tourist visa holders as far as O understood that article.
Those policies only cover for flights and the duration of stay for travelers, and are very bare bones.
I am talking about real health coverage for those of us who live here year round.

Not so sure, it mentions foreign visitors and also includes those appplying for an extension. That suggests anyone and everyone not Thai.

I imagine all their vending machine policies, year round included, will be very bare bones.

[Bill Miller]

12 hours ago, coulson said:

 

Not so sure, it mentions foreign visitors and also includes those appplying for an extension. That suggests anyone and everyone not Thai.

I imagine all their vending machine policies, year round included, will be very bare bones.
 

 

Mmm, mebbe so. Have to have a look see at one of the policies.
So far I have had good results at the provincial hospitals, but would like coverage for any "big stuff".
Just sounded like the usual "traveller's" insurance which you could purchase from machines at some airports in the US. I usually get it as an option when I purchase an air ticket on line.
Just did a quick check with one company. Pretty good coverage, but....$51 for ONE WEEK!

[fforest1]

12 hours ago, coulson said:

 

Not so sure, it mentions foreign visitors and also includes those appplying for an extension. That suggests anyone and everyone not Thai.

I imagine all their vending machine policies, year round included, will be very bare bones.
 

 

The insurance will cover a blood pressure check a aspirin and

a glass of water.... 

[coulson]

The insurance will cover a blood pressure check a aspirin and
a glass of water.... 

No the asparin will definitely not be covered.

Just as I'm reading this I received a bizzarre email from thailandsurvey/ a gmail address/, asking me to answer a questionnaire on new private medical services. Anyone else received this?

[Bill Miller]

21 hours ago, coulson said:

 

Not so sure, it mentions foreign visitors and also includes those appplying for an extension. That suggests anyone and everyone not Thai.

I imagine all their vending machine policies, year round included, will be very bare bones.
 

 

I reread the OP, and it does say tourists will be required to purchase before being admitted to the Kingdom, sort of implying the short timers in this particular case of vending at entry points.

I know it is a requirement for the Elite Card, $10,000 coverage if I recall.
Again, if they could just fold us full timers into the Social Security  health insurance plan for instance, I think it would remedy a lot of the health care short fall. administer it at the Post office the way they do the road tax and auto insurance.
Leaving it to the insurance industry has not been to good for the US health care system.

Edited June 7, 2017 by Bill Miller