BANGKOK, 13 May 2012 – Public and private hospitals are ordered to provide necessary medical attention to emergency patients in a non-discriminatory manner, or they will violate Medical Emergency Act B.E. 2551.
Public Health Minister Wittaya Buranasiri said that the government and the Public Health Ministry pay heed to quality treatment and service being offered for patients with emergency conditions in order to decrease mortality and disability rates. With this policy in effect since April 1st, 2012 onwards, Mr. Wittaya revealed that private hospitals have well cooperated. He stressed that every hospital must comply by providing its best emergency care to patients until their condition is stabilized before making appropriate transfers.
Under the Medical Emergency Act B.E. 2551, a hospital must provide stabilizing treatment for a patient with emergency medical conditions without inquiring about the patient’s ability to pay. A hospital is prohibited to refuse offering emergency care to emergency patients in any circumstances.
The Emergency Medical Institution of Thailand will be responsible for monitoring the matter. Hospitals found to be violating the Act will receive penalties.
