Photo Credit: Nutthawat Wicheanbut
A civil society organization has expressed dissatisfaction with the Medical Council of Thailand’s legal action against the National Health Security Office (NHSO) concerning its policy of providing free medication for 16 specified ailments under the universal healthcare scheme. The group urged the council to promptly withdraw the lawsuit in the interest of patient care.
Saree Aongsomwang, secretary-general of the Thailand Consumer Council (TCC), voiced concerns on Saturday about the discord between the Medical Council of Thailand and the Pharmacy Council of Thailand following the Supreme Administrative Court’s acceptance of the council’s complaint against the NHSO policy, which allows free medicine at pharmacies for certain symptoms.
These symptoms include headaches, dizziness, joint or muscle pain, fever, cough, sore throat, stomachache, constipation, diarrhea, skin wounds, and skin irritation. Implemented in 2022, supporters of this policy argue that it has been life-saving.
The TCC emphasized that this issue transcends a mere dispute among authorities; it fundamentally concerns patient safety, as untreated minor symptoms can escalate into serious health issues.
Ms. Saree noted that the policy was intended to reduce congestion in hospitals and alleviate the workload of medical staff, aligning with the Ministry of Public Health’s goal to improve the capacity of primary healthcare facilities. Most importantly, she pointed out, the policy provides patients with greater options, allowing them the choice to visit a hospital if they prefer.
“This legal action has created confusion among consumers, who now fear that this service may be discontinued,” she stated. “We urge the Medical Council of Thailand to withdraw the lawsuit against the NHSO, and for all parties involved to reach a consensus that prioritizes patient welfare.”
Dr. Attaporn Limpanyalert, deputy secretary-general of the NHSO, reassured that all holders of the universal healthcare card will continue to benefit from the policy until the court delivers its ruling.
On Tuesday, the Pharmacy Council of Thailand reported that all prescriptions provided by pharmacists are handled with the utmost safety. Their findings indicated that since October 2022, over 1.79 million people have benefited from the policy, with 90% recovering from their symptoms and no severe cases or deaths linked to the service.
The Pharmacy Council also noted that while the Medical Council does not seem opposed to individuals purchasing medications from pharmacies, it raises concerns specifically regarding the NHSO’s free medicine policy for universal healthcare cardholders. This has led to speculation about whether the Medical Council’s concerns are genuinely about public health safety. The council urged the Medical Council to honor the ethics of other professionals in relation to public medicine prescriptions.
