A working panel has been planned to study the appropriate cost structure for medical supplies and medical services charges nationwide, a move the Commerce Ministry hopes will rein in the hefty costs of such supplies and services charged by private hospitals.
Permanent commerce secretary Boonyarit Kalayanamit, who yesterday chaired the second meeting of the sub-committee handling supervisory measures for medicines, medical supplies and medical services, said a separate sub-committee is needed because information about the cost structure of medical supplies and medical services is incomplete.
There are 868 items listed as medical supplies and 5,286 medical services.
Yesterday, the meeting approved a study by the working group tasked with studying the production cost of medicines and medical services, chaired by Whichai Phochanakij, director-general of the Internal Trade Department.
The department has analysed the cost structure of 3,892 medicine items widely used in the Universal Coverage for Emergency Patients (Ucep) scheme and found 353 private hospitals charge patients 300%-900% on top of production costs.
The Ucep requires compulsory emergency healthcare for up to 72 hours in any hospital in Thailand, applicable to both private and public hospitals.
The new scheme, effective since April 1, 2017, enables all who require emergency medical care and assistance to receive it anywhere in the country, at whichever hospital is closest, for a period of up to 72 hours at zero cost.
There are 30,103 medicines in the Thai Medicines Terminology.
Mr Whichai said the department is committed to moving ahead with ongoing efforts to protect consumers from overcharging by private hospitals.
He said the new working panel comprises two groups: central and provincial.
The central working panel will be chaired by Mr Whichai, while the provincial panel will be chaired by provincial governors.
"Our aim is to ensure fairness for consumers, particularly if they undergo treatment at a private hospital and face unfair or exaggerated charges," he said.
"For instance, some patients only have a stomachache or headache, but are advised to have CT scans at a private hospital and are then subject to hefty charges."
