Bangkok Post » Poll
- Most recent
- Most viewed
- 08:22 AMExat approves hikes in toll fees
- 08:12 AMBMA to enlarge flood drains
- 08:11 AMCo-op seizes haul of fake fertiliser
- 08:04 AMHotline help for elderly, disabled
- 05:49 AMBrazilians protest World Cup costs
- 02:49 AMVenus pulls out of Wimbledon
- 12:00 AMBoT signals a pause after cut
Share your thoughts
For more candid, lengthy, conversational and open discussion between one another, use our Forum
Report objectionable comments click here. Include: discussion #, commenter name, comment date / time as it looks on the page. Example: discussion 15: 09/01/2009 at 10:00 AM.
Discussion 11 : 10 Sep 2012 at 11.5711
The 30 Baht scheme is a Thaksin ploy to buy votes and gain followers by trying to convince people he was some sort of philanthropist. The truth seems to be that whilst a person only provides 30Baht, the hospital providing the treat has to provide the rest of the money for the treatment. So Thaksin's scheme is an imposition on the hospitals when it should be for the government to pay. No treatment can be provided for 30 Baht. So how is the government reimbursing the hospitals. The whole idea seema to be a political scam to buy votes cheaply at someone else's expence.
Discussion 10 : 10 Sep 2012 at 11.5510
Dao disc9, The point I and Spiceman made is exactly on target. "Free" healthcare cannot and should not be a "right". Healthcare is not something that humans were created or evolved (whatever your choice) with. Speech, life, freedom of choice - these are "rights" that all humans have and 'should' be allowed to exercise.
Me paying for your healthcare and/or you paying for mine is not "fair", "free" or even the 'right' thing to do. You are responsible for your life - I am responsible for mine.Discussion 9 : 10 Sep 2012 at 09.529
The operative word was should .The reason it isn't wasn't explained .
Discussion 8 : 10 Sep 2012 at 04.378
Khun Dao #6, I think you got the wrong idea about what constitutes a "Right," which must not cost anybody anything. For example, the Right to Free Speech, which is the most fundamental Right of all, does not cost the speakers and writers, or listeners and readers anything. You can choose to read my comments or not to, which does not cost you anything, right? However, Healthcare is not a "Right" because it takes enormous amount of money to train doctors, nurses, hospital staffs, and buildings packed with all kind of expensive equipments, and supplies, mostly imported from abroad. I doubt that doctors, nurses, and staffs will work for free neither. So, Healthcare cannot be free, and therefore, cannot constitute a "Right."
Discussion 7 : 09 Sep 2012 at 22.457
Dao disc6, Why should health care be 'free' as a basic human right? Where does it end? Why not 'free' satellite TV or 'free' internet or 'free' doughnuts every Thursday? Why are people not made responsible for their choices in life?
Because the power of politicians comes only from the ability to give away money (that does not belong to them). When people can get something for free they become indebted and dependent to the provider - hence the root of political power. I think that needs to change....Discussion 6 : 09 Sep 2012 at 15.356
They are basically the same policy manipulated so the latest incarnation suits the latest politician .Free healthcare should be a basic human right but unfortunately when most of the population is poor and doesnt pay tax then the problem of who pays for it comes into play .
Discussion 5 : 09 Sep 2012 at 09.565
It didn't improve services the first time it was introduced, it devastated the system with a significant proportion of the countries public hospitals now bankrupt, unable to pay salaries and to provide essential staffing, equipment and consumables.
Medical standards and outcomes have actually dropped drastically since it was first introduced. The problem is not if it is free or 30 Baht. The problem is to look at both sides of the ledger, both costs and revenue, so they are balanced at a level that ensures the right service standards are maintained.
By all means, if you don't give a damn about the service level, then start quibbling over "free" or "30 Baht", but understand that that argument has nothing to do with developing a health care system suitable to the country's needs.Discussion 4 : 08 Sep 2012 at 19.574
I cant believe I,m saying this but I agree with John .
Discussion 3 : 08 Sep 2012 at 12.193
Universal Free Healthcare is not free after all! By the way, Khun JohninBKK #1, I am with you on this one.
Discussion 2 : 08 Sep 2012 at 11.552
@Disc 1 - This is the few times I agree with you. Make it 30 baht to lessen the strain, free healthcare is always one of the biggest debts a country incurs.
