Five additional vaccines have been added under the state's Universal Healthcare Coverage (UC) scheme, widely known as the "gold card" scheme.
Jadet Thammathataree, deputy secretary of the National Health Security Office (NHSO), said Tuesday the five would prevent a range of infections -- diphtheria, tetanus, hepatitis B, pertussis and Haemophilus influenzae, which can cause meningitis.
Besides the vaccines, Raltegravir, a drug used to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV, and Bevacizumab, which is used in treating central retinal vein occlusion, would also be incorporated into the medical benefits under the scheme.
Both drugs are categorised as Jor (2), expensive specialty drugs used by few patients, on the state's drug list.
Among the 693 HIV-positive mothers eligible this year under the gold card policy, Dr Jadet said the number of babies born with the disease would probably drop from an expected average of 53 to 27 with the aid of Raltegravir treatment. Each course of medication would cost 6,792-10,189 baht.
A further 10,800 patients will receive a Bevacizumab jab four times a year, costing the state 26.1 million baht annually.
In terms of essential drugs, Dr Jadet said the NHSO added a rabies vaccine and colostomy bag to the benefits.
He said the UC scheme this year also focused on colon-cancer screenings, the prevention of complications for those suffering from diabetes, and medical treatment for inpatients such as providing 100 million baht for diagnosis-related groups.
As for people suffering from chronic kidney failure, they would be treated using automated peritoneal dialysis.
Following the cabinet's approval in March of 181.5 billion baht for this year's scheme, 166.4 billion baht was allotted to medical services for 48.57 million people, or 3,426.56 baht per person; 3 billion baht was allocated to HIV/Aids patients; 8.2 billion baht for those with chronic kidney failure; and 1.1 billion baht to control and prevent the spread of chronic diseases.
Moreover, 1.4 billion baht went to healthcare services in the southern border provinces; 916 million baht to the elderly requiring long-term care, and 268.4 million baht to the Public Health's "primary care cluster".
All schemes are in accordance with the government's 20-year national strategy on public health, Dr Jadet said.
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