Nationwide healthcare through single ID card to commence next year
Public Health Minister Dr Chonlanan Srikaew on Monday (November 13) announced that from next year, a single ID card can be used for all healthcare services. The project is being piloted across networks in four provinces: Phrae, Roi Et, Phetchaburi, and Narathiwat.
The data is connected to all networks, including clinics, pharmacies, and private sectors. The full service will be available in these four provinces starting from January 1, with the Prime Minister officially launching the service nationwide on March 8, 2024.
In the second phase, the service will be expanded to cover 12 health service zones plus one in the greater Bangkok area. The third phase will bring four additional zones into the picture, namely the central part of the central region, Nakhon Ratchasima, Chaiyaphum, and the lower southern region. This initiative is part of the Ministry of Public Health's network development.
Dr Chonlanan confirmed that each province in the pilot phase needs to ensure its readiness before providing the service. As of now, some areas, like Warin Chamrap District in Ubon Ratchathani province, are already using the single ID card for healthcare across different networks.
The single ID card will officially launch on March 8, and will cover both public and private healthcare facilities.
The initiative also includes the 30-baht comprehensive healthcare under the “gold card national health security system”, allowing people to use the single ID card for treatment in all healthcare networks. The goal is to improve accessibility to healthcare services and promote cooperation between public and private sectors, including pharmacies, private labs, dental clinics, and nursing clinics.
The comprehensive healthcare system covers cancer prevention, vaccination for cervical cancer, as well as screening for cervical, colorectal and breast cancers. The government is also emphasising mental health care, with plans to develop community-based mental health services.
The National Health Security Office (NHSO) has a hotline, 1330, and is active on social media platforms like Facebook and Line.
Dr Chonlanan added that government aims to complete the entire data system within one year, ensuring seamless data connectivity across all sectors. The single ID card is expected to be widely used for healthcare services throughout the country, providing confidence in the healthcare system. The Prime Minister, he noted, stresses the importance of the healthcare system for the well-being of all citizens, believing it contributes to a just society. Discussions will continue with the Social Security Office and the Comptroller General's Department regarding other healthcare entitlements.
