Three government agencies have been ordered to examine claims of massive overcharging in private hospitals after emergency patients were handed bills totalling hundreds of thousands of baht.
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has told the Medical Council of Thailand, the Public Health Ministry and the Internal Trade Department to launch an inquiry after many complaints were made.
Activists petitioned the government after low-income earners, pensioners and foreigners receiving emergency care were left facing hefty bills. Government spokesman Yongyuth Mayalarp said the prime minister paid close attention to the petitions and wanted the matter treated urgently.
In one case, detailed in today’s edition of Spectrum, a 75-year-old pensioner was taken to Vibhavadi Hospital after suffering a heart attack. Doctors told the woman she needed surgery at a cost of between 600,000 and 700,000 baht, but said her family could get reimbursement from the government.
Her family claimed the hospital failed to say the government would not reimburse the full amount, and they were left with a bill of 857,208 baht.
In another case, the family of a 78-year-old heart attack victim has refused to pay a 480,000 baht bill from Thonburi Hospital, which has led to a landmark court case.
The issue is complicated by regulations governing expenses, with the National Health Security Office acting as a clearing house for three government benefit schemes. “The three agencies are required to meet and discuss the issue and find solutions in the interest of fairness for all,” Mr Yongyuth said.