Bangkok (VNA) – The Thai government has launched a medical scheme to reduce healthcare costs for local residents.
The initiative, one of the government’s “Quick Big Win” policies, aims to lower living costs by allowing patients to purchase medicines outside private hospitals at fair prices.
Speaking at the signing ceremony for the “Suk Kai Sabai Krapao” (Healthy Body, Easy on the Pocket) project on November 4, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul described the project as a significant step forward in both Thailand’s economic and healthcare development, marking a major shift in medical service delivery and demonstrating the government’s commitment to strengthening the country’s public health system.
He noted that public hospitals currently face heavy patient loads, while private hospital services remain expensive, particularly due to high drug and medical supply costs. To ease this burden, the government tasked the Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of Public Health with finding ways to lower healthcare expenses, in cooperation with the Private Hospital Association and other private-sector partners.
He expressed confidence that cooperation between government agencies and private hospitals will further strengthen Thailand’s healthcare system and ensure that all people have access to medical services.
Under the new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), private hospitals must provide complete and accurate prescriptions listing drug names and usage details. This transparency allows patients to choose whether to buy their medicines directly from the hospital or from registered pharmacies outside.
Anutin added that the programme will also expand access to private health care, with more than 300 private hospitals nationwide already participating. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has certified over 3,400 pharmacies to join the project.
The initiative is expected to reduce public healthcare spending by at least 32 billion THB (nearly 1 billion USD) annually by improving access to affordable, high-quality medicines./.
