Thailand’s Universal Healthcare adds Smart ID tech

“Hospitals and clinics which participate in the universal healthcare scheme have made preparations for this and many are now ready to use the smart ID cards and implement the new procedure.”

If you’re a subscriber to Thailand’s universal healthcare scheme, you’ll will be required to provide smart ID cards to verify your identity when receiving treatment and services at participating facilities around Bangkok. The new cards will be valid from the start of next year.

But use of the new smart ID cards, in conjunction with the”gold card” healthcare scheme, as part of patient’s verification, will only apply in Bangkok for now. The use of smart ID cards will allows for the integration of patient data and medical records between hospitals as it’s rolled out in the capital, then around the country.

Sakchai Kanjanawatana, secretary-general of the National Health Security Office says the updated verification process is “aimed at preventing fraud by those who are not covered by the universal healthcare scheme”. He said that it’s based on the new system instigated by the navy-run Somdech Phra Pinklao Hospital and BTU-Medical Dental Clinic.

“Based on the pilot scheme implemented by Somdech Phra Pinklao Hospital, the use of smart ID cards can prevent fraud. Even though there are additional steps involved when the smart ID cards are first used, they ultimately end up being more convenient for patients when the systems are linked.”

According to the Bangkok Post, the use of smart ID cards for verification will be expanded later starting with state hospitals under the supervision of the Public Health Ministry, he said.

Capt Pattanachai Chalermwan, deputy director of Somdech Phra Pinklao Hospital, said new technology will make it more convenient for patients as they will be able to visit any clinics which partner with the hospital.

“With the new verification system in place, the patients do not need to visit the hospital as often. Instead, they can go to any participating clinic at their convenience and they will get continued services.”

SOURCE: Bangkok Post