NHSO says patients still have rights

The National Health Security Office (NHSO) reiterated yesterday that each patient’s right to receive medical care remains intact, a statement that comes after the agency, last week, terminated contracts with 64 clinics and hospitals that made fraudulent financial claims for services that did not exist.

The NHSO offered the assurance in response to reports that people had flocked in panic to their district offices, mostly in Bangkok, to register with new medical service units.

The contract terminations came into effect on Sept 18, affecting more than 800,000 people registered with the universal coverage (UC) healthcare scheme that is operated by the NHSO.

NHSO secretary-general Sakchai Kanjanawattana said yesterday UC members’ rights to receive healthcare services and treatment are not affected and there is no need for them to take action.

UC members can stop by any medical service units that are partnered with the NHSO to receive health coverage until new contracts are assigned, he said. Obtaining medical records from previous medical service units will not be necessary as each UC member’s history is already in the NHSO’s database.

The NHSO has arranged with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, the Public Health Ministry and its private partners to provide services to this group during the transition, he said, adding an estimated 27% will require medical care or treatment during the transition period. He did not specify how long the transition period will be.

Once the new service units are assigned, members will be informed and they can choose where to get healthcare services if it is not convenient for them to drop by at the assigned units, he said.

“Their rights under the UC scheme remain unaffected. If they require care, they can stop by at any unit registered with the NHSO. Those who don’t require medical attention during this transition can stay put,” he said.