Universal coverage scheme has spent over 101 billion baht on Covid-19 treatment

Thailand’s Universal Coverage for Emergency Patients has spent more than 101 billion baht on Covid-19 treatment over the past two years. In 2020, the government spent 3.8 billion for treatments, and that number spiked to 97.7 billion last year. This year, the total treatment cost has been 32.4 billion baht.

For patients with mild symptoms or no symptoms at all, the estimated cost is 23,248 baht per person at state hospitals, and 50,326 baht per person at private hospitals. For patients with moderate symptoms, the estimated cost is 81,844 baht at state hospitals, and 92,752 baht at private hospitals. For patients with severe symptoms, the estimated cost is 252,182 baht per person at state hospitals, and 347,428 baht per person at private hospitals.

The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration found that 88% of Covid-19 patients who were treated with the Ucep scheme had mild symptoms or no symptoms. Patients with moderate and severe symptoms only made up 12% of patients using the scheme. In a controversial move, the Public Health Ministry will remove coverage for patients with mild or no symptoms from Ucep starting March 1. Health minister Anutin says this is to save hospital beds for patients with severe symptoms, as well as those with other illnesses.

SOURCE: Bangkok Post