Almost 300 leukaemia patients have received free stem-cell transplant treatment thanks to Social Security, according to the Social Security Office (SSO).
The SSO has covered the pricey treatment -- 750,000 baht to 1.3 million baht per person -- since February 2017, said Ananchai Uthaiphatthanachip, secretary-general of the SSO.
In 2017 alone, 131 leukaemia patients underwent treatment under the scheme and 150 in the following year. Patients with certain severe and chronic forms of leukaemia can submit a request at their nearest SSO branch office to receive the free treatment, Mr Ananchai said. Queries regarding the service also can be made at any branch office of the SSO or via the 1506 hotline number.
To receive free treatment, patients must get approvals from accredited medical doctors saying they need a stem cell transplant.
When their requests are approved, the SSO will refer the patients to one of a number of state hospitals contracted to provide the treatment.
The hospitals include Chulalongkorn Hospital, Ramathibodi Hospital, Siriraj Hospital, Phramongkutklao Hospital, Songklanagarind Hospital, and Srinagarind Hospital. No details were given about the waiting period, if any.
