(Retrieved from http://healthtimesmedia.com/healthtimes-images/pills-emb-1.jpg)
"Most of the high- income countries have health systems that provide a universal package of insured health benefits. In low- income countries that lack national health insurance, most expenditure on health is private and out of pocket. In general, the health systems of high-income countries are more effective at meeting health system aims than are the systems in low- and middle-income countries" (Skolnik, 2020).
Healthcare in Thailand
Healthcare in Thailand is considered of excellent quality. It is ranked the 6th best in the world (Bangkok Post, 2019)! English-speaking practitioners are readily available in Thailand. Thailand’s health service infra-structure consists of three components: government health services, non-profit health organizations (NGOs), and the private medical sector.
Government Health Services: In Thailand, government-funded "universal" health care is funded by the Department of Medical Services at the Ministry of Public Health. Public health facilities in Thailand offer quality medical services, but government hospitals are often crowded, which means waiting times can be long. Treatment is completely free for Thai citizens holding a Universal Coverage Health card (ISI, 2020).
(Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=poUm7GCj3ZM)
Private Medical Sector: Thailand is one of the leading medical tourism destinations in Asia. Most of the private hospitals in Thailand have excellent medical facilities and staff (ISI, 2020).
(Retrieved from https://blog.lumahealth.com/five-reasons-why-medical-tourism-in-thailand-is-so-popular)
Non-Profit Health Organizations: A variety of agencies exist in Thailand to help disadvantaged people. These agencies include the Red Cross, World Vision, and Médecins Sans Frontières (ISI, 2020).
Doctors in Thailand: Most of the doctors in Thailand are specialists. It is difficult to find general practitioners to treat you for minor medical issues. Most doctors in Thailand are employed at several different hospitals (ISI, 2020).
Pharmacies and medicine: Pharmacies are extremely common in the cities, but rare in rural areas. Many medications are available without a prescription, like antibiotics and other medications Westerners must have a prescription to fill (Allianz Care, 2020).
Barriers to health care: Barriers include long wait times, limited services outside of office hours, and restricted choice of physicians. Care is determined by government assignments and is restricted to specific hospitals (Wattanapisit, 2018).
References:
Allianze Care. (2020). Retrieved from https://www.allianzcare.com/en/support/health-and-wellness/national-healthcare-systems/healthcare-in-thailand.html
Bangkok Post. (2019). Thailand's healthcare ranked sixth best in the world. Retrieved from https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1746289/thailands-healthcare-ranked-sixth-best-in-the-world
ISI. (2020). Retrieved from https://www.internationalstudentinsurance.com/thailand-student-insurance/healthcare-in-thailand.php
Skolnik, Richard. (2020). Global Health 101 (4th ed.). Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett
Wattanapisit, A., Saengow, U. (2018). Patients’ perspectives regarding hospital visits in the universal health coverage system of Thailand: a qualitative study. Asia Pac Fam Med 17, 9. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12930-018-0046-x