NHSO extends medical coverage for Bangkok pub fire victims
The National Health Security Office (NHSO) has explained the medical coverage guidelines for victims of the recent Ladprao pub fire, reassuring families that critically injured patients may continue receiving free treatment at their current hospitals even after the initial 72-hour emergency window expires.
Dr. Jadej Thammatacharee, secretary general of the NHSO, stated today that all victims classified as critical cases were immediately covered under the Universal Coverage for Emergency Patients (UCEP) scheme, which guarantees free treatment at any hospital for the first 72 hours.
For care beyond the initial 72 hours, Dr. Jadej explained that patients who remain in a critical condition and too unstable to be moved will continue to receive free care at the same hospital. The NHSO will directly absorb the medical expenses for those covered by the universal healthcare scheme, commonly known as the ‘gold card’.
For those taken off the critical list, but still require in-patient care, the NHSO will manage their transfer to a medical facility under their registered healthcare scheme.
Dr. Jadej emphasised that families do not need to coordinate these transfers themselves. They can request assistance directly from hospital staff or contact the 24-hour NHSO hotline 1330.
The NHSO secretary general added that the office has already compiled a complete roster of the victims and is closely monitoring the 72-hour timeline for each individual.
The agency is working in with attending physicians to assess patient conditions and ensure a seamless transition of care, aiming to alleviate any financial anxiety among the victims' families.
The death toll from the devastating fire currently stands at 32, after another victim, identified as Jatuporn Wongsiriwiboon, passed away in Nopparat Rajathanee Hospital, according to the Institute of Forensic Medicine.
Of the 73 injured individuals, 15 are remain in a critical condition, 15 are moderately severe 43 have minor injuries. This cohort has already been discharged.
The exact number of missing persons is currently awaiting official verification.