Bangkok: The Public Health Committee has called for the results of the NHSO-Social Security meeting from the past 23 years, aiming to examine the obstacles in reducing inequality. The committee emphasizes the need for submission of documents within 15 days and recommends that insured individuals consider moving to Gold Card rights. They are preparing to approach the Social Security Office next week.
According to Thai News Agency, the House of Representatives Public Health Committee, chaired by Dr. Tossaporn Sereerak, MP for Phrae from the Pheu Thai Party, along with Ms. Kalayaphat Rajiroj, MP for the Prachachon Party, presented the outcomes of their meeting focused on studying medical treatment benefits for insured persons.
Ms. Kalayaphat highlighted the differences between the Social Security Fund and the Universal Health Coverage Fund. While both aim to provide universal health care, the Gold Card Fund, managed by the National Health Security Office (NHSO), reportedly shows greater medical treatment efficiency. This is attributed to the NHSO's focus on health and public sector involvement, unlike the Social Security Fund, which leans towards social welfare.
Ms. Kalayaphat noted dissatisfaction with social security rights compared to Gold Card users, who experience better medical care quality and responsiveness to complaints. The NHSO is also recognized for offering more prominent health promotion, disease prevention, and various care services. However, there remains a need for improvement in rehabilitation rights and Intermediate Care, with the suggestion for collaboration between the Social Security Office and the Ministry of Public Health.
Furthermore, Ms. Kalayaphat proposed that the Social Security Office should allow insured persons the option to switch to the Gold Card, financed by the Social Security Fund. This could help evaluate the effectiveness of social security services. Some committee members advocate for the NHSO to manage medical treatment rights for insured persons, allowing the Social Security Office to focus on welfare development.
The committee has requested that the NHSO and Social Security Office provide minutes from their retrospective meetings within 15 days to address inequalities in health services. As per the Prime Minister's directive, Mr. Pichai Chunhavira, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, is to lead an assessment of health system regulations to mitigate treatment disparities. The committee's first meeting is scheduled for March 12, with an emphasis on setting clear goals and involving civil society.
Dr. Tossaporn suggested that social security insured individuals try Gold Card rights for a year or relinquish their current medical treatment rights, allowing the NHSO to manage the budget. Meanwhile, there is a call for immediate improvements in benefits like dental care and the implementation of the 30-baht treatment scheme for social security insured persons.
Dr. Tossaporn reiterated the committee's commitment to ensuring better care for the 14 million social security insured individuals. Efforts to address fund disparities are ongoing, with plans to visit the Social Security Office and engage with its Secretary-General and possibly the Minister next week.