Universal Coverage (Thailand)

Last updated
National Health Security Act B.E. 2545
New Seal of the Royal Command of Thailand.svg
Parliament of Thailand
Territorial extent Thailand
Passed by House of Representatives
Passed31 August 2002
Enacted by Senate
Assented to by King Bhumibol
Royal assent 18 November 2002
Commenced19 November 2002
Administered byNational Health Security Office
Legislative history
First chamber: House of Representatives
Introduced byFirst Thaksin Cabinet
First reading 22 November 2001
Second reading 15 May 2002
Third reading 15 May 2002
Second chamber: Senate
First reading30 May 2002
Second reading31 August 2002
Third reading31 August 2002
Status: Current legislation

The Universal Coverage Scheme (UCS), also known as the Gold Card or 30-baht scheme, is the largest of the three Thai healthcare programmes that provide universal health care. It covers the majority of the population, and is directly funded by the national budget and allocated on a mixed per-capita basis by the National Health Security Office (NHSO). The programme was launched in 2002 during the government of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, based on foundational developmental work by public-health civil servants, especially Doctor Sanguan Nitayarumphong, beginning in the 1980s.

At its launch, the programme required a copayment of 30 baht (approx. 1 US dollar) per visit, and it became widely known by that name. Thailand became among of the few middle-income countries to implement universal healthcare, and the system was internationally praised and contributed greatly to Thaksin's political popularity.

The system has, since its original implementation, seen various modifications, including the removal of the 30 baht copayment (which happened following Thaksin's overthrow by coup in 2006) and the provision of direct access to antiretroviral therapy, haemodialysis and other chronic diseases. Further reforms are still being considered in order to address financial sustainability issues. [1] [2] [3]

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References

  1. Hughes, David; Leethongdee, Songkramchai (1 July 2007). "Universal Coverage In The Land Of Smiles: Lessons From Thailand's 30 Baht Health Reforms". Health Affairs. 26 (4): 999–1008. doi:10.1377/hlthaff.26.4.999. ISSN   0278-2715. PMID   17630443.
  2. Chia, Jasmine (23 April 2020). "The history of Thailand's Universal Healthcare Coverage, and its uncertain future". Thai Enquirer. Retrieved 4 October 2020.
  3. Wangkiat, Paritta (26 November 2017). "Health care on life support". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 4 October 2020.