Thailand Launched Universal Healthcare

Public Health Minister expressed satisfaction with the new 30-baht plus healthcare scheme in Thailand - which was launched last Sunday in Roi Et province. The program, operating under the One Card for All concept, allows members of the universal healthcare card scheme, also known as the gold card scheme, to access medical services from any hospital in Roi Et, Phrae, Phetchaburi, and Narathiwat provinces during its preliminary stage. 

The ministry has earmarked 300 million baht (US$8,595,990) to back the initiative during this first phase. In the second phase set for March, the project is slated to broaden its reach to the provinces of Phetchabun, Nakhon Sawan, Nong Bua Lam Phu, Amnat Charoen, Nakhon Ratchasima, Sing Buri, Sa Kaeo, and Phang Nga.

Thailand seeks 6.2 billion baht (US$ 177,650,460) to run the 30-baht plus health care scheme in the 2024 Budget Bill this year. This entails collaborating with the Social Security Office to extend this project to members of the Social Security Fund, thereby enabling SSF members to access any hospital using their ID cards in the future.