10 Key public health highlights of 2024
In 2024, the public health sector saw many significant developments that can be considered "stories of the year." We have compiled a list of the top 10 notable issues to close out the year.
Service of the Year: Universal "30-Baht Healthcare Anywhere" Policy
The government launched an upgraded Universal Coverage Scheme (UCS), allowing Thais to access healthcare services nationwide using only their ID cards. The policy, which began as a pilot in four provinces in January, was fully implemented nationwide on January 1, 2025. This milestone significantly enhances patient accessibility, enabling them to receive care beyond their designated hospitals.
Scandal of the Year: Reselling Free Medication Online
Toward the end of the year, a disturbing trend emerged involving individuals exploiting the "30-Baht Healthcare Anywhere" scheme. These individuals sought free treatment and resold prescribed medication online. Investigations have identified three suspected cases of fraud, and legal proceedings are underway.
Event of the Year: Health Minister's Carbohydrate Counting Campaign
Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin made reducing non-communicable diseases (NCDs) a top priority in the 2025 fiscal policy. As part of this initiative, he led events across six regions to educate village health volunteers on carbohydrate counting. The campaign aims to promote appropriate carbohydrate consumption as a preventive measure against NCDs.
Innovation of the Year: Health Link System
A key feature of the "30-Baht Healthcare Anywhere" policy is the Health Link System, developed by the Ministries of Public Health and Digital Economy and Society. This system integrates health records across hospitals, allowing patients to access care at any facility. Patients can manage their data access, saving time and facilitating emergency care. For doctors, the system streamlines diagnostics and improves treatment accuracy, ultimately improving outcomes and saving lives.
Epidemics of the Year: Cholera and Avian Influenza
In 2024, two significant diseases drew global and regional attention: avian influenza and cholera. While Thailand reported no outbreaks, authorities remained vigilant and prepared.
- Avian Influenza: Multiple outbreaks occurred globally, including in neighboring countries like Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. In response, Thailand’s Department of Disease Control (DDC) expanded its reporting criteria to include dairy cattle contact in suspected avian flu cases, which had previously been limited to poultry exposure.
- Cholera: A cholera outbreak was reported near Thailand’s western border in Shwe Kokko, Myanmar. In response, Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health set up an emergency operations center (EOC) in Tak Province to enhance preparedness.
Concern of the Year: Health Insurance – Financial Sustainability at Risk
Throughout 2024, concerns about the sustainability of public health insurance systems, including the Universal Coverage Scheme and social security, became more pronounced. The 30-baht healthcare scheme relies entirely on government funding, and rising costs have raised questions about its long-term viability. However, Somsak, as chairman of the National Health Security Office (NHSO) board, emphasized reducing the number of patients as a strategy to help alleviate costs.
Meanwhile, the Social Security Fund faces existential challenges, with projections indicating potential collapse within 30 years unless reforms are implemented. Thailand’s aging population and declining birthrate have resulted in fewer contributors relative to beneficiaries, highlighting the urgent need for structural adjustments.
Confusion of the Year: Cancer Treatment Anywhere – Use or Not Use Referral Letter
In the "Cancer Treatment Anywhere" program, the NHSO announced new guidelines for payment claims, effective from January 1, 2025. As a result, several university hospitals issued notices that patients referred for treatment under this program would need a referral letter to confirm payment from the primary hospital according to their rights.
However, the ongoing debate between agencies over the necessity of using a referral letter has caused significant confusion for patients, with inconsistent information from different parties persisting.
Challenge of the Year: Reducing NCD Cases
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) remain a critical public health issue in Thailand, causing direct and indirect economic losses of approximately 1.6 trillion baht. Health Minister Somsak declared reducing NCDs as a key policy for the 2025 fiscal year. The initiative focuses on promoting behavioural changes, such as increasing physical activity and encouraging healthier eating habits, to reduce new cases. Achieving this goal remains a formidable challenge that requires widespread public participation.
Health Economy of the Year: Wellness Economy
In her address to parliament, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra outlined the government's medium- and long-term policy, focusing on "Promoting Opportunities in Future Industries." The government is prioritizing the development of the Care and Wellness Economy and the establishment of Thailand as a Medical Hub.
Building on Thailand's internationally recognized spirit of service, the government plans to expand its strengths in health tourism and traditional Thai medicine to address the growing global demand for healthcare, driven by an aging population.
Although no specific measures will be introduced in 2024 to support this initiative, 2025 is expected to bring significant growth opportunities for businesses related to the Wellness Economy, supported by the government.
Thailand’s Wellness Economy is valued at $34.6 billion, ranking 9th in the Asia-Pacific region, just behind countries such as China, Japan, India, South Korea, and Australia, with a value comparable to Malaysia.
Hope of the Year: The Community Health Volunteer Act
After over a decade of advocacy, the "separation of the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) from the Civil Service Commission" has made significant progress. Although the law has not yet been enforced in 2024, it is expected to move forward in 2025. This marks the "most progress" made so far.
The essence of the bill is to boost the morale and welfare of healthcare and public health personnel, particularly in human resource management, workforce levels, and government expenditure. It aims to reduce longstanding bureaucratic limitations and implement a major restructuring, enabling faster public services.
