WEEKLY READS WITH DR. FAJEMBOLA (WEEK 5)
Thailand is known largely for tourism, I lived in the land of smiles for two years and one aspect I explored thoroughly in different facets is the healthcare system. If I could experience their healthcare again, would I? YES, is it affordable for locals and foreigners? YES for locals and averagely for foreigners.
Salient points from week 5:
1. Thailand’s UHC system is considered one of the most robust in the world, with improved access to healthcare for the population since its implementation in 2002.
2. According to the WHO, Thailand ranks 25th in the world for its UHC Service Coverage Index.
3. Current gaps include lack of access to emergency housing for caregivers of patients attending the hospital, hidden costs of food and travel in UHC systems, complex hospital processes unfamiliar to disadvantaged patients on how to best access resources.
4. The researchers developed initiatives to help
alleviate hidden costs but they are only band-aid solutions that do not address the root cause of the problem: a lack of reimbursement for additional expenses in the UCS system.
In conclusion, this is a great read for UHC enthusiasts, while UHC systems have been successful in providing coverage for diagnosis and treatments, they have an opportunity to evolve past their current paradigm.
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