The Social Security Fund (SSF) insists patients have the right to free treatment of all diseases covered by the scheme, denying claims by a cancer patient who said the fund wants her to share her medical bills.
"I see no reason why the patient's rights would be denied if she is a fund member," Social Security Office (SSO) secretary-general Suradet Waliithikun said.
He insisted members are not required to pay the bills for all diseases, including cancer, when they receive treatment from hospitals taking part in the scheme.
His clarification came after Thicharat Manisithanon, who has last-phase leukemia, said an official from the SSO faxed her a letter on Thursday, saying the office will limit its medical expenses and pay for her treatment until the end of this year. "That is unbearable," Ms Thicharat said. "It hurts my morale."
The 41-year-old patient said she had been impressed by medical benefits granted under the fund until she read the fax document. The woman, the mother of a 19-year-old son, was diagnosed suffering from the disease two years ago.
She was first treated at a hospital in the eastern province of Sa Kaeo before being admitted to Ramathibodi Hospital in Bangkok.
Mr Suradet said patients can change from a regional hospital to so-called "super-level" hospitals for more effective treatment under agreements between the hospitals.
Ms Thicharat can even change the medicine she is taking under doctors' prescriptions if the drugs she is taking cannot completely cure her disease.
The SSO will take responsibility for new expenses with no conditions imposed on drug prices, Mr Suradet said.
The secretary-general said his office takes good care of both patients and hospitals under the fund.
All fund members must have equal access to standard treatment and quality medicines under the National List of Essential Medicines, he said.
The office also ensures hospitals will be given adequate payments to cover patients' medical bills so they will not have to shoulder a financial burden from treatment.
Mr Suradet said his office and hospitals meet regularly to tackle problems that may arise in running the scheme. In cases of serious illness, the office also gives additional financial help to hospitals.
