Pregnant women insured under the social security system will be offered a new benefit aimed at encouraging them to visit their prenatal caregivers.
Pregnant women who are subscribers of the social security fund will be offered reimbursement of 1,000 baht, which they will receive in three installments, for getting regular pregnancy care, said Labour Minister Adul Sangsingkeo.
In addition to receiving the 13,000-baht subsidy toward the cost of childbirth, an insured pregnant woman will also be given up to 500 baht to help offset the expense of healthcare services in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, he said.
Between the 13th and 20th weeks of pregnancy, the women are entitled to a maximum of 300 baht of assistance money. From the 21st to 28th weeks, the money will be reduced to 200 baht maximum, according to Pol Gen Adul.
The Social Security Office's medical committee is drafting a announcement to formally add the additional pregnancy care benefits to the core benefit package offered by the social security system.
Once the announcement is made, the benefits will have retroactive effect from May 1, he said.
Pregnant women who are insured by social security can pick up their benefits right away.
They will be provided with reimbursements for pregnancy care without having to wait until their baby is delivered, he said.
The main purpose of offering these new benefits under the social security system is to provide pregnant women the incentive to visit doctors regularly.
This will ensure that the unborn babies receive the best care possible.