NHSO to make primary health care more accessible for all

Good news to welcome the new year. The National Health Security Office (NHSO) says it aims to extend the telehealth kiosk program or Tu Huang Yai (Care Cabinet) across Bangkok and to other areas in the provinces, and also complement the existing healthcare services to better serve people.

“By expanding the program, we are making basic healthcare possible for everyone,” NHSO secretary-general Dr. Jadet Thammathataree said, adding that the office is recruiting more companies to install the kiosks to increase healthcare access.

Currently, the telehealth kiosks are installed in four locations in the city, with Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal (Outbound) in Chatuchak District the most recent spot.

He noted that the NHSO is committed to consistently improving the health security system, coverage and service quality to allow Thais to take advantage of the benefits.

The program is part of the Universal Healthcare Coverage (UHC) Scheme or the so-called 30-baht Gold Card scheme.

It’s a joint effort by the NHSO and Touch Technology Co. Ltd, and is aimed at making primary health care more accessible to the public, while relieving overcrowding at health facilities.

The NHSO also plans to add new healthcare services and set up vending machines that provide free self-tests for liver fluke.

Condoms will also be available at the kiosks, Dr. Jadet added.

“This will enable people to receive comprehensive care from treatment to health promotion and disease prevention services in one stop,” he said.

According to him, the NHSO is also considering incorporating a blood glucose test with the existing program.

Currently, each kiosk is fitted with devices to measure patients’ temperature, pulse rate, respiratory rate and blood pressure as well as their weight and height.

The office also plans to install telehealth kiosks at hospitals and clinics that don’t provide after-hour services in a bid to close the disparities in access to healthcare.

Using innovation to expand healthcare reach

The NHSO rolled out the telehealth kiosk program last year in an effort to increase access to primary health care and allow the public to receive services close to the community via equipment and remote consultation with a doctor, doing away with unnecessary hospital visits.

These tech-enabled health stations are equipped with tools that include a forehead thermometer, a blood pressure cuff and a pulse oximeter that measures the amount of oxygen in the body.

Other instruments measure patients’ weight and height.

Inside the cabinet, patients can sit down and be connected with a doctor on duty through a virtual visit, who will provide basic care for 42 minor ailments from headache to stomachache and sore throat, and from food poisoning to infections and Covid-19.

After the readings are completed, they are sent to the doctor who will undertake health assessments online and send feedback.

If prescribed medications, patients can opt for the medicine home delivery service or pick up the drugs themselves from a pharmacy registered under the UHC scheme.

Making citywide healthcare access

The NHSO opened its first kiosk at Sahakorn Kehasathan Charoenchai Nimit Mai Community in Bangkok’s Chatuchak District last November.

The opening ceremony was chaired by Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin and attended by government officers and representatives from the NHSO including Dr. Jadet and the media.

Somsak noted that the government has worked to support the NHSO’s initiatives to upgrade the Thai national health security system and improve access to necessary healthcare.

“The health stations have enabled people to get health services that meet quality standards. The services are quick and convenient. Plus, this service helps reduce overcrowding and long wait times at hospitals,” he said, adding that it is estimated that people in Thailand make about 304 million hospital visits to see a doctor each year.

Somsak noted that the NHSO plans to implement telehealth kiosks in 50 locations across Bangkok.

So far, they have been installed in four locations including at Sahakorn Kehasathan Charoenchai Nimit Mai Community in Chatuchak District, Touch Building in Huay Kwang District, the Innovation Center in Din Daeng District and Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal (Outbound) in Chatuchak District.

Two others will be implemented soon, one at the Central Terminal (Inbound) and another in Din Daeng District.

Dr. Jadet said the NHSO aims to install the health stations near communities with limited access to healthcare and resources as well as crowded areas including mass transit stations.

Wichien Sangploy, head of Sahakorn Kehasathan Charoenchai Nimit Mai Community, said the telehealth kiosk has provided easy access to basic healthcare for community members who hold the Gold Card.

“It’s an added bonus. When people don’t feel well, they can either go to a hospital registered with the UHC scheme or the health station that is close to the community to receive the services.

It helps save money on medical treatment, medications and travel and enhances the quality of their lives. It’s also more convenient and faster,” he said adding that getting medical care at a hospital can exhaust many people, especially older patients.

Dr. Lertluck Leelaruangsang, director general of the Medical Service Department of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), said the telehealth kiosks program’s objectives are in line with the BMA’s commitment to developing Bangkok Health Zoning.

The initiative is aimed at creating a strong comprehensive public healthcare network and providing effective, seamless public health services through technology and innovation.

“The program will help reinforce the healthcare system in the city and serve as an alternative for Bangkok residents who want to receive healthcare without going to a hospital,” she said at a special event to mark the opening of the new telehealth kiosk at Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal (Outbound) in December.

The BMA currently supervises 11 hospitals, 69 public health centers and 77 branches of the public health centers.