Demands for Enhanced Care and Availability for HIV Patients
Thailand is making significant strides in enhancing its universal healthcare coverage (UHC) scheme, particularly for people living with HIV/AIDS. The Thai Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS (TNP+) recently called for several key improvements and expansions at the annual national health security meeting held by the National Health Security Office (NHSO) on June 30.
One of the main areas of focus is the expansion of treatment eligibility. The TNP+ has proposed that those younger than 18 should be allowed to access Hepatitis C treatment under the universal coverage scheme, also known as the gold card scheme. Additionally, the organisation has suggested including the Hepatitis B vaccine for individuals with weakened immune systems to enable early prevention.
Another crucial aspect is the expansion of the "One ID Card, Treatment Anywhere" policy. This policy, which allows patients to access healthcare services anywhere in Thailand using their ID card, is planned to be expanded to include antiretroviral (ARV) treatments. This would facilitate easier access to HIV treatment services nationwide. There are also plans to work with state enterprise employers to address reimbursement delays within this framework.
The TNP+ has also proposed the expansion of cervical cancer screening to high-risk groups such as those with HIV, systemic lupus erythematosus, and other immunocompromised persons, starting at age 25 and conducted every three years.
Advocates urge nationwide policies to prevent discrimination against people with HIV/AIDS, as well as improved coordination between the NHSO, Disease Control Department, Thai AIDS Society, and community networks to enhance communication and service delivery.
Thailand is recognised for its strong community-led health service models, particularly for HIV prevention through Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP). About 80% of PrEP users receive services at community-led clinics. There is an ongoing push to better integrate such community-led models into the public health system to enhance equity and access under UHC.
The costs for Hepatitis B testing and medication are included in the capitation budget, a fixed amount of money paid regardless of the number of services provided. However, despite this coverage, access to testing and medication remains limited due to budget constraints.
These efforts reflect a comprehensive plan to improve equity, reduce disease burden, and end AIDS in Thailand. The TNP+'s call for improvements and expansions to the gold card scheme is a significant step towards achieving these goals.
- To further improve health-and-wellness in Thailand, the TNP+ suggests integrating fitness-and-exercise programs into universal healthcare coverage (UHC), focusing on promoting mental health and nutrition alongside chronic diseases like cancer.
- Recognising the benefits of community-led health services, plans are underway to expand such models to cater to medical-conditions like diabetes and hypertension, thus increasing access to health care for all Thais.
- To tackle the rising burden of chronic diseases, Thailand is considering the inclusion of CBD (Cannabidiol) as a potential treatment alternative, particularly for managing pain and inflammation in conditions like arthritis and fibromyalgia.
- In light of the growing concerns about nutrition and its impact on overall health, Thailand aims to provide comprehensive guidance on healthy eating, offering specialized resources and support for people with chronic diseases.
