Thailand Has Universal Health Insurance, but of Unequal Quality

Thailand has universal health insurance, but the quality of insurance for all citizens is not the same.

A seminar was held on Wednesday to celebrate the 10th anniversary of of Thailand’s universal health insurance, in which, Boonyuen Siritham, chair of the Confederation of Consumer Organizations said that equal and standardized health services was desirable in the nation.

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However, she accepted that it was a concept, difficult to implement.

Most people are insured under three different healthcare schemes; the ‘gold card’ free medical services for the common man; government-funded services for state officials; and the Social Security Fund for private employees.

The vision is to treat everyone the same, whether they are ordinary people, government officials or members of the Social Security Fund.

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Government officials in Thailand are paid less than workers in private companies, and so their access to superior health coverage makes up for their lower salaries.

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Source-Medindia

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