More coverage for cancer patients from next year, vows Anutin

He was speaking at a seminar hosted by the Department of Medical Services to announce its medical policy for next year. Present at the forum were more than 300 provincial public health officers and doctors.
“In line with the new medical care policy for 2021, cancer patients will be able to receive treatment at all state hospitals that are ready to provide the service,” Anutin said. “We aim to reduce waiting time and deaths among cancer patients.”
Anutin added that the department will also focus on employing Covid-19 prevention measures when Thailand opens its doors to more foreigners in 2021 to reduce the risk of medical professionals contracting the virus.
“Next year we will further promote the use of medical cannabis by training more medical professionals on safely using medical cannabis extracts,” he added.

Dr Somsak Akksilp, director-general of the Department of Medical Services, said the department has developed four schemes to boost the efficiency of medical institutes in treating cancer patients.
“The Thai Cancer Base Plus [TCB Plus] platform was created to register cancer patients with the aim of facilitating seamless transfer between hospitals, while the One Program will help prioritise treatment options for each patient based on their symptoms and progression rate,” he said. “We have also created the DMS Bed Monitoring System to help hospitals manage available beds, and the DMS Telemedicine mobile application will help schedule tele-consulting service for patients in remote areas who cannot travel. They will receive their medicines through mail.”