The National Health Security Office (NHSO) board is to increase the per-capita budget for its Universal Health Care package by 358.01 baht to 3,784.57 baht per person for the 2020 fiscal year.
The decision was made yesterday at a board meeting, chaired by Public Health Minister Piyasakol Sakolsatayadorn. The hike proposal was made by a NHSO subcommittee, led by Duangta Tancho, inspector-general of the Prime Minister's Office.
Deputy NHSO secretary-general Jadet Thammathataree, yesterday said a budget of 182.65 billion baht was approved for the per-capita health care scheme, or 3,784.57 baht per person. About 48.26 million people are eligible for the scheme.
It was raised from a 166.44-billion-baht budget set aside for the 2019 fiscal year, Dr Jadet said.
The rise was a result of increasing costs, ranging from medicines, medical appliances and new healthcare services to remuneration for medical staff, according to Dr Jadet.
After deducting 49.83 billion baht earmarked for medical workers' salaries, 132.82 billion baht would be put into the National Health Security Fund.
According to Dr Jadet, a 17.26-billion-baht budget was also agreed upon for expenses on top of the per-capita healthcare scheme.
They include health care services given to HIV/Aids patients at a budget of 3.6 billion baht and those suffering chronic renal failure at a budget of 9.5 billion baht.
A 1.29-billion-baht budget was earmarked for the prevention of chronic diseases, such as diabetes and mental illnesses and 1.49 billion baht was budgeted for extra medical service expenses in remote, dangerous areas as well as the far South.
Dr Jadet said authorities also earmarked 45 million baht to offset expenses for the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine, administered in the South during the fiscal 2018-19.
The 2020 budget was proposed by taking into account the constitution, the 20-year national strategy, the National Health Security Act as well as public hearings, he said. According to Dr Jadet, 15 new health services would be provided in the 2020 fiscal year.
They include screening for colon cancer for people aged 50-70, minimal invasive surgery and heightened access to expensive medicines for patients suffering from Alzheimer's, cancer and Aids.
Other services include providing services for those who need intermediate care, such as patients having suffered a stroke as well as brain and spinal injuries.
In a pilot scheme, patients with renal diseases would also be given access to automated peritoneal dialysis treatment, Dr Jadet said.
