Firstly, we would like to wish you a happy new year. We hope the Year of the Dragon brings abundant blessings, excellent health, positive energy, and new accomplishments.
 
Every new year, the NHSO introduces new health benefits into the Universal Coverage Scheme (UCS) as part of our ongoing efforts to enhance its accessibility and coverage.
 
For the 2024 New Year, we are unveiling four new benefits that significantly elevate the quality of healthcare services through cross-cutting medical technology and telemedicine.
 
These demonstrate our commitment to expanding the UCS, which provides healthcare coverage for over 47 million Thais.
 
The introduction of new health benefits also aligns with the Thai government's '30-baht Scheme Upgrade' — an initiative led by Minister of Public Health Dr. Cholnan Srikaew, aiming to enhance the quality of care provided by the UCS, initially known as the 30-baht healthcare scheme.
 
We proudly present the four benefits:
 
 
1. Plaque brachytherapy for eye tumor patients
 
Approved by the NHSO board on November 6, plaque brachytherapy for patients with eye tumors will be included in the UCS starting from the 2024 fiscal year.
 
This advanced treatment is specifically designed for patients with eye tumors at risk of developing ocular cancer. The condition is rare, with an average occurrence of five to six cases per one million population.
 
Early-stage or small tumor patients undergoing this treatment will significantly reduce the risk of vision loss.
 
Ramathibodi Hospital is the only facility providing this treatment in Thailand and serves as a referral center for patients from various hospitals nationwide.

Around 16 UCS patients will require plaque brachytherapy annually, with an estimated treatment cost of 84,800 baht per patient, totaling 1.36 million baht annually.
 
 
2. Robotic surgery for cancer patients
 
Robotic surgery, an innovative medical technology, offers precise surgical interventions, particularly in challenging areas. It reduces surgical risks, ensuring patient safety and faster recovery.
 
The NHSO approved robotic surgery as a new UCS health benefit on December 27, targeting three groups of cancer patients: prostate cancer, colorectal cancer, and liver, pancreatic, and bile duct cancer.
 
Approximately 600 individuals are eligible for this benefit in 2024. The estimated cost for robotic surgery is roughly 100,000 baht per patient, totaling a budget of 60 million baht in 2024.
 
 
3. Proton therapy for cancer patients
 
The NHSO executive board approved the use of proton therapy for cancer patients in UCS on December 27.
 
Proton therapy is a highly effective radiation treatment that precisely delivers protons to destroy tumor cells.
 
It shows a high rate of cancer control and survival, especially for children with pediatric brain tumors, while minimizing side effects compared to conventional photon radiation therapy.
 
Presently, Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Proton Center at Chulalongkorn Hospital is the only facility in Thailand offering proton therapy.
 
The NHSO will allocate an annual lump-sum payment of 50 million baht to the center to provide therapy to UCS beneficiaries.
 
Patient referrals and coordination services will be provided, with an average transportation cost of 2,300 baht per trip reimbursed. The NHSO is preparing criteria for service compensation.
 
 
4. Telemedicine services for Thais residing overseas
 
Thai citizens living or traveling in foreign countries can access telemedicine services at no charge via four online medical platforms partnering with the NHSO.
 
This service allows patients abroad to consult Thai physicians for guidance, advice, and preliminary screenings.
 
Only passport or the 13-digit national identification number is required to receive the service. The NHSO has prepared the service and will commence operations from January 15 onward.
 
The four medical platforms are:

• Saluber MD (Line @Sooksabaiclinic or browse telemed.salubermdthai.com).
• Clicknic (Line @clicknic).
• Mordee (Line @mordeeapp, register at https://form.typeform.com/to/qKY8gV4X).
• Totale Telemed (Line @totale).