Public health minister rejects 30-baht scheme co-payment review

Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin dismissed a proposal from health experts to revisit the co-payment system of the universal healthcare policy, known as the 30-baht gold card scheme.

Somsak stated emphatically that he had no intention of reopening discussions about the co-payment plan.

“The ministry is doing its best to take care of people’s health. No changes have been made.”

The 69 year old minister’s comments come in response to recent concerns from a network of hospitals and medical staff. They have reported that the scheme is causing significant issues for state-owned hospitals, including increased patient visits, staff shortages, and financial deficits.

The network has urged the ministry to reform the scheme to ensure its financial sustainability.

Initiated by the now-dissolved Thai Rak Thai Party of Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, the populist policy aims to provide equal access to medical treatment for all Thais, particularly the poor.

Launched in 2002, it originally required a 30-baht co-payment per visit. However, this requirement was removed a few years later, allowing cardholders to access medical treatment free of charge.

The public health minister expressed confidence that the government could address the network’s financial concerns, potentially by utilising the central budget, reported Bangkok Post.

“The amount of money missing from the co-payment system is just 2%, which is very small, and we can handle it. The scheme is being run well. Some people have criticised it despite the fact they lack the correct information.”

To mitigate the financial losses incurred from providing treatments, the National Health Security Office (NHSO) has requested an additional 7.1 billion baht (US$210 million).

In related news, the Social Security Board (SSB) has greenlit a plan to enhance the ease of access to treatment resources for cancer patients within the Social Security system, according to an announcement from the Social Security Office (SSO).