Just in time to handle the Songkran road carnage, the government said emergency and accident patients can receive three days of hospital treatment free.
Dr. Sriharaj Lohachdranon, director of Bangkok Hospital Pattaya, said April 4 that the Cabinet resolution applies to both private and public hospitals. Facilities will have to treat patients for free for up to three days before transferring them to their home hospitals.
He patients exhibiting any of six conditions qualify for free treatment: Rapid and labored breathing, unconsciousness, seizure, chest pain, paralysis, and other life-threatening conditions affecting breathing, blood and brain.
Dr. Waranyu Sattayawongthip, head physician at Pattaya Hospital, confirmed the city facility also will participate in the program. He said people have been concerned that the privately-run, government-owned facility would charge for its services.
