PM brands free care as 'too costly'

[Big Boy]

This will seriously affect many Thai partners:

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has branded the universal healthcare scheme a "costly populist" policy which helped deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra win the 2001 election.

The health scheme benefits about 47 million people - two-thirds of the population.

Commenting on the conflict between the National Health Security Office (NHSO) and the Public Health Ministry, Gen Prayut said Wednesday that Thailand is not financially ready for such a multi-billion-baht health insurance project.

It will "bankrupt a lot of hospitals in the next few years", he said.

Full story: Bangkok Post

[caller]

What's the alternative - lots of people dying unnecessarily?

I wonder how far he'll get in attempting to turn the clock back before a stand is made?

[Big Boy]

I thought his intention was to make the nation happy again. This strategy will not help his cause one bit.

[caller]

Unfortunately, it's his interpretation of 'happy'. I don't think he understands or cares what anyone thinks.

[malcolminthemiddle]

But is he right when he said "It will bankrupt a lot of hospitals in the next few years"?

[Big Boy]

Maybe he is if they start wasting money on essentials such as submarines.

[STEVE G]

Maybe he is if they start wasting money on essentials such as submarines.

Yes, they can't afford healthcare alongside the increased spending on defence that comes with every coup! You could buy a hospital with the money that they're spending on that "park" that they're building in the middle of nowhere to the south of town.

[Homer]

What's the alternative - lots of people dying unnecessarily?

The alternative is crippling debt or lowering the cost and quality of care so the nation can afford the debt. The second choice means lots of people dying unnecessarily.

[dozer]

Unfortunately, it's his interpretation of 'happy'. I don't think he understands or cares what anyone thinks.

He doesn't care, his goal is to promote and sustain rule by the elite.

[caller]

What's the alternative - lots of people dying unnecessarily?

The alternative is crippling debt or lowering the cost and quality of care so the nation can afford the debt. The second choice means lots of people dying unnecessarily.

Can't agree at all with you about this. It's about prioritising and this is an essential service for millions. It's easily affordable in Thailand. He just needs to make the right decisions about where to spread the cash and make sure it actually goes where intended.

This is a good editorial, also from the Bangkok Post:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/opinion/opin ... healthcare

[Roel]

Not so sure if it is "easily affordable".
Blame Taksin for implementing it, not Prayut for his -in my opinion justified- criticism.

[malcolminthemiddle]

Did any of you bother reading the article linked in the OP?

"He added he would not abolish the scheme, but would seek ways of increasing funding

."

[Big Boy]

Did any of you bother reading the article linked in the OP?

"He added he would not abolish the scheme, but would seek ways of increasing funding

."

I for one missed that bit. However, one has to wonder where the necessary money for such an ill thought out scheme will come. If you're talking hospitals being bankrupted, you have to assume massive cash injections will be required.

[PeteC]

How does Britain fund the NHS, and how does the US fund Medicare/Medicaid.....it has to come out of taxes, but for sure that won't pay it all.

[GLCQuantum]

Did any of you bother reading the article linked in the OP?

"He added he would not abolish the scheme, but would seek ways of increasing funding

."

Brilliant. I wish you'd left your post until the fifth page though.