Thailand’s National Health Security Office (NHSO) has agreed to provide six additional free health services to holders of gold health cards from January 1st.
According to Assoc. Prof. Prasobsri Ungthavorn head of a subcommittee responsible for designating the type and scope of health services for gold card holders, they will be eligible for:
BRCA1 and BRCA2 breast cancer screening (blood test to determine changes in DNA which increase the risk of breast cancer). Dr. Prasobsri said that early detection of breast cancer among people whose families have records of DNA mutations means they can seek early treatment.
- HIV PEP to prevent the onset of symptoms in people exposed to HIV by providing them with anti-viral medication.
- Screening of patients suffering from metabolic genetic disorders via tandem mass spectrometry, which will allow for early treatment.
- CA oral screening for people who are at least 40 years old and at risk of oral cancer. The cost of a biopsy is estimated at about 600 baht each and about 2% of the Thai population should be screened.
- Dental implants for toothless people. Dr. Prasobsri said that the average cost of dental implants is estimated at about 24,200 baht, but it will help improve the quality of life of those without teeth.
- Human normal immunoglobulin intravenous therapy for post-COVID infections, such as multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children and myocarditis and pericarditis in people given mRNA vaccines. The cost of this therapy ranges from 50,000-100,000 baht.
Head of NHSO fund management Duangta Tancho said the six additional health services will cost the NHSO about 245 million baht per fiscal year, including 238.59-million-baht leftover from last year’s budget.
