NHSO more than doubles dialysis allowance for HIV patients

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2020
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The National Health Security Office (NHSO) has agreed to increase the dialysis allowance for HIV patients who are under the national health security scheme, also known as the gold card scheme, from Bt1,500 to Bt4,000 per time.

NHSO secretary-general Dr Sakchai Kanjanawatana said on Monday: “The board has come to this decision after the TNP+, a network for HIV patients in Thailand, claimed that HIV patients have to pay Bt2,500-Bt3,500 out of their own pocket every time they get a dialysis, which usually costs Bt4,000-Bt5,000 but the gold card scheme only provides Bt1,500 as allowance,” he said.

“The NHSO will set a budget of Bt20.75 million to cover the increased allowance to Bt4,000 per time. Eligible patients must be HIV positive and have chronic kidney failure.

“We hope that this increase in allowance would help HIV patients under the gold card scheme receive dialysis with less financial burden,” he added.

“The NHSO is committed to providing necessary healthcare to everyone without discrimination and ultimately reducing disparity in healthcare access for all Thais.”