NHSO introduces telemedicine service for Thai citizens abroad
 
As part of New Year gifts for healthier Thais, the National Health Security Office (NHSO) will launch a telemedicine service for Thai citizens living or traveling abroad through remote medical consultations starting in January 2024.
 
This telemedicine service launch is crucial to the NHSO's efforts to expand healthcare accessibility and coverage for all Thais.
 
 Scheduled to commence on January 15, 2024, the service will be accessible free of charge through four online applications partnering with the NHSO.
 
Dr. Cholnan Srikaew, the Minister of Public Health and Chairman of the NHSO board, explained the board meeting on December 25 approved guidelines for providing health services to Thai people residing or traveling abroad through telemedicine services.
 
The guidelines, presented by NHSO Deputy Secretary-General Dr Athaporn Limpanyalers, underscored the necessity for telemedicine services and medical assistance when Thai citizens encounter health issues while working or traveling abroad.
 
Language barriers often pose challenges, hindering effective communication between medical personnel in foreign countries and Thai patients seeking healthcare.
 
Dr Cholnan emphasized the Thai government's commitment to enhancing healthcare accessibility for all citizens, irrespective of income or geographical location.


 
Telemedicine is a technology that bridges the healthcare access gap, aligning with Article 5 of the National Health Security Act 2002, assuring quality healthcare for all Thai citizens, including those living abroad.
 
Over the past few years, the NHSO has actively supported the expansion of telemedicine by engaging four remote healthcare applications to provide services for patients with minor illnesses.
 
The NHSO has adopted various technologies, including digital health and online patient identity verification.
 
Dr Cholnan noted that the NHSO collaborated with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to promote the upcoming launch of the telemedicine service.
 
"Introducing telemedicine services to Thai citizens abroad marks another step toward enhancing the UCS," he said.
 
NHSO Secretary-General Dr Jadej Thammatacharee added that accessing telemedicine services would be a straightforward process for UCS beneficiaries.
 
They can opt for services through any of the NHSO's partnered applications, requiring passports or 13-digit Thai national identification numbers for identity verification before receiving services.
 
"This service solely involves consulting doctors online to seek health advice, which we believe will provide peace of mind regarding health matters for Thai citizens abroad," said Dr Jadej.
 
"However, sending medication from Thailand is currently restricted due to legal constraints. Telemedicine service providers may issue summaries of necessary medications and advice for patients to seek further medical care in those respective countries."
 
The NHSO has partnered with four telemedicine service providers whose platforms will connect Thai doctors with patients living or traveling abroad, allowing consultations on assessing minor illnesses and offering basic health advice.
 
They are Saluber MD (Line @Sooksabaiclinic or browse telemed.salubermdthai.com); Clicknic (Line @clicknic); Mordee (Line @mordeeapp, register at https://form.typeform.com/to/qKY8gV4X); and Totale Telemed (Line @totale).