Private Patients Get Cheaper External Drug Choice
BANGKOK, Oct 14 (TNA) - Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce is set to launch a new nationwide initiative on October 28 to combat soaring drug prices at private hospitals by granting patients the option to purchase prescribed medicines from external pharmacies.
The "Healthy Body, Comfortable Wallet" project is projected to save the public more than 32.4 billion baht annually in healthcare costs, according to the ministry.
The initiative mandates that participating private hospitals disclose drug prices on bills and issue clear prescriptions, allowing patients to fill them at partner pharmacies outside the hospital. Over 300 private hospitals across nine major networks have joined the "Quick Big Win" project.
The move comes after the Department of Internal Trade continued to receive over 100 complaints regarding excessive charges, despite medical services and drugs being designated as price-controlled items since 2019.
The Department of Health Service Support (DHSS) will strictly enforce price transparency. Hospitals failing to display prices face a fine of up to 10,000 baht, while overcharging carries penalties of up to one year in prison or a fine of up to 20,000 baht, or both.
The government expects the plan to ease the financial burden on citizens, improve access to private care, and reduce congestion in state hospitals.
