Bangkok (VNA) – Thailand’s National Health Security Office (NHSO) has approved an increase in funding for dependents from 6,000 THB (162 USD) to 10,442 THB per person per year.
According to deputy government spokesman Karom Polpornklang, about 320,000 people are registered in the government’s long-term care system annually. However, others such as people with dementia or in palliative care also depend on help from the community.
Karom noted that these people need as much care as others with low Activities of Daily Living (ADL) scores. The ADL is a universally recognised indicator that measures a person's functional limitations and independence in completing personal-care tasks.
He said that the NHSO board has therefore agreed to expand the scope of the dependent care system to cover those with middle-stage and end-stage dementia. The move is expected to increase the number of registered dependents to 600,000.
It is also to improve the quality of life of Thais, especially the elderly, and help the country meet the needs of an ageing society, he added./.
