Bad debt “medical expenses” reveals solutions – border health development

Thailand has bad debt, averaging 2,500 million baht per year, which is medical expenses for foreigners along the border. The Ministry of Public Health moves forward with setting up five border health learning centers in every region to solve problems according to specific areas.

Thailand has 31 border provinces. Contacts 4 neighboring countries: Myanmar 10 provinces, Laos 12 provinces, Cambodia 7 provinces, and Malaysia 4 provinces. Each border has different problems and development approaches. Depends on the context of the area

However, if there are foreign patients crossing over to receive medical treatment on the Thai side then give treatment This causes Thailand to have medical expenses that cannot be collected from the foreign population and their dependents in border areas in fiscal year 2019-2023, averaging 2,564 million baht per year.

Bad debt, medical expenses

Data between 2019-2023 found that medical expensesThe timber collected from the foreign population and their dependents in the border area in the fiscal year averages 2,564 million baht per year, divided into

• In 2019, the amount was approximately 1,894 million baht.
• In 2020, the amount was approximately 1,763 million baht.
• In 2021, the amount is approximately 3,514 million baht.
• In 2022, the amount is approximately 3,597 million baht.
• In 2023, the amount is approximately 2,054 million baht.

In addition, in Thailand there is medical care for groups of people with status and rights problems. Using the budget for 4 years as follows:

• Year 2021, number of 554,137 people, budget received approximately 1,397 million baht, budget actually paid approximately 1,575 million baht.
• Year 2022, number of 604,394 people, budget received approximately 1,148 million baht, budget actually paid approximately 1,544 million baht.
• Year 2023, number of 696,522 people, budget received approximately 1,212 million baht, budget actually paid approximately 1,598 million baht.
• Year 2024 (as of April 19), number of 731,180 people, budget received approximately 1,513 million baht, budget actually paid approximately 656 million baht.

Use the HINT system to manage and collect data.

Regarding this matter, Dr. Chonnan Srikaew, Minister of Public Health Give interviews about solutions and development methodsBorder Public Healththat he is confident that in the future it will be better because he gives importance to border health services Both people in Thailand who do not yet have status and people at neighboring borders who come to receive care.

As for people in Thailand who lack status and rights Currently, the HINT system is being developed to manage cases of people who do not yet have rights. Bring this group of people into the process. To see the rights you will receive When this system is successful, you will see a picture of the people who come to use the service as to their status, rights, and health insurance. It will help fulfill and lead to solving problems.

Set up 5 border health learning centers

In addition, a structure to support learning is set up as a learning center for medical and public health in border areas and specific areas. Ministry of Public Health It will be operated across the country at 5 locations, with the first being opened at Mae Sot Hospital, Tak Province, and the remaining centers will be opened in Ranong Province. Which will open a second location soon, including at Somdet Phra Yupparat Hospital (Hospital) Pua, Nan Province, Sakaeo Hospital, Sa Kaeo Province and Ubon Ratchathani Province.

“5 Border Public Health Medical Learning Centers Answering the needs of the region There will be learning courses such as border health, mother and child. Border epidemic has students and people interested in learning. and is the basis for cooperation between many countries. in taking care of the international population With international organizations coming to help take care of it. Support together to learn and provide services,” Dr. Chonnan said.

Coordinate cooperation with international organizations

Reporters asked if this approach would be able to compensate for medical expenses that Thailand cannot collect. Dr. Chonnan said that the budget of the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) was originally used to care for foreign populations along the border. Next, when there is a clear database matter. In requesting a budget to take care of this group, there is more clarity, such as disease prevention work. Health promotion budgets can also be used. It is compensation for expenses and international organizations also support the budget.

As in Tak Province People from the Myanmar border Everyone can be reimbursed for medical expenses. From the International Red Cross Organization which has a budget to support it. If there is clear information, it can be sent for withdrawal. Came to compensate for expenses The number of medical expenses that can be withdrawn has been specified. For example, for medical expenses of 60,000 baht, 80% can be withdrawn, not exceeding or exceeding 60,000 baht, it can be withdrawn at the specified rate, etc.

Develop border health according to the context

Dr. Chonnan further said that Thailand has a total of 31 border provinces, providing the same services. But each border area will be different. The Myanmar side of the border is one such model. The Lao side of the border is another form. Solving problems and developing border health depends on the context of each area.

For example, Tha Bo Hospital, Nong Khai Province, has income mainly from Lao patients who come for treatment. Because they have the ability to pay. which has expanded discussions with the Lao ambassador That will be a state-to-state cooperation in determining the rights that can be used for medical treatment in Thailand, etc.