Into its 19th year, NHSO will accelerate technology to increase healthcare access.  
 
November 18, 2020—As National Health Security Office (NHSO) turns 18th last month, it vows to adopt new technology in making Universal Coverage Scheme (UCS) more accessible and efficient.
 
On Wednesday, NHSO Secretary-General Dr. Sakchai Kanjanawatana chaired the commemoration ceremony for the founding of NHSO on November 19. The date marks an important milestone for Thailand to establish Universal Health Coverage (UHC) nearly two decades ago.
 
The ceremony was held at NHSO headquarter in Chaeng Watthana Government Complex. Dr. Sanguan Nittayaramphong, the first NHSO Secretary-General and the man behind the successful introduction of UC, was commemorated during the event. 
 
Dr. Sakchai said that NHSO had gone through four stages of transitions before reaching where it is today. Stage one (2002-2007) was the period NHSO built a foundation for the UC based on capitation fund management, independent organizational infrastructure, and network with multi-stakeholders.
 
Stage two (2008-2012), NHSO improved its fund management and reimbursement system, strengthened its network with multi sectors, and educated UCS members about their healthcare rights. It was also the period that NHSO launched some new benefits package for high-cost diseases such as HIV/AIDS and kidney failure.
 
Stage three (2013-2017), the need to ensure equal healthcare access among three healthcare schemes (UCS, Social Security Scheme, and Civil Servant Medical Benefits) was emphasized. During this period, the Thai government assigned NHSO to act as a National Clearing House and National Beneficiary Registration Center. NHSO also created a distribution system for orphan drugs and antidote and built a stronger sense of people's ownership for UCS.
 
Stage four (2018-2022) is a current stage in which NHSO has integrated digital technology to improve the efficiency of fund management. NHSO has developed compensation plans for UCS members and health workers, focused on improving the quality of health services in pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals 2030. 
 
Around 99.98% of Thai population had healthcare access in 2019, increased from 90.76% in 2002. The number of out-patient visits increased from 111.95 million in 2003 to 182.69 million in 2019 or increased from 2.45 to 3.84 visits per person per year. 
 
The number of in-patient visits increased from 4.30 million to 6.30 million in the same period of time, or increased from 0.094 to 0.132 visits per person per year.
 
"Even though the NHSO has achieved its goals at each stage, the organization must continue to improve itself and adapt to new changes such as disruptive technology and emerging innovation. The current pandemic has challenged healthcare systems worldwide while at the same time creating a “New Normal” exposing as yet unforeseen flaws.  The NHSO and relevant partners are making every effort to ensure the public still receive high-quality services regardless of the current situation.” Dr.Sakchai said