Free Covid-19 testing and treatment in Thailand
Covid-19 patients in Thailand have had to pay large sums to private hospitals, despite the government’s announcement about free Covid-19 testing and treatment for all Thais earlier last month.
On 5th May 2021, an update was announced. All Thais posing a high-risk of contracting Covid-19 are eligible to have their hospital bills covered. In addition, private hospitals must not ask for advanced payment.
We take you through a summary of the current social security protocol for Covid-19 patients in Thailand, as well as what is expected to change.
Thailand’s Covid-19 response efforts:
- Thailand’s largest concert venue to become a field hospital
- Rajavithi Hospital offers free taxi service for Covid-19 patients
- Thai organisations to implement “WFH” policy
No deposit required for Covid-19 patients anymore
Hospitals were asked to refrain from asking Covid-19 patients to pay a deposit for their treatment whilst waiting for social security benefits to kick in, said Dr. Jadej Thammatach-areem, Secretary-General of National Health Security Office (NHSO), reported Prachatai.
The payment system has been streamlined so hospitals can contact NHSO directly for reimbursements, issued every two weeks.
Medical institutions will also be able to contact NHSO via hotline numbers to seek further information.
Image credit: PR Bangkok via Prachatai
NHSO will be responsible for all the medical bills relating to Covid-19 in both public and private hospitals, according to the announcement.
All Thais who have been exposed to the virus or are recommended for Covid-19 tests by a doctor can receive free tests.
They’ll also receive free treatment if the test comes out positive, added Dr. Thammatach-aree.
Current protocol states that hospital arrangements will be made according to the severity of patients’ symptoms and the availability of doctors at each medical centre.
In order to ensure a smooth process for all, the public was asked to cooperate by not requesting for special rooms, extra nurses, or specify their choice of hospital.
Covering Covid-19 medical expenses for citizens
We are happy to see that the government is covering Covid-19 medical expenses for their citizens.
In other words, Thailand has its people’s backs and it is exactly what we want to hear in times of uncertainty.
More Covid-19 related news:
- “Sinovac” & “AstraZeneca” vaccine concerns raised by doctor
- How to get Covid-19 vaccination and international vaccine passport
- PM Prayut fined for not wearing face mask in a meeting
Cover image adapted from: Pixabay (Left),Sukhumvit Hospital (Right)
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