BANGKOK, Thailand – The Cabinet has approved a 275-billion-baht budget framework for the National Health Security Scheme for fiscal year 2026. The allocation includes 272.58 billion baht for the National Health Security Fund (NHSF) and 2.3 billion baht for administrative expenses under the National Health Security Office (NHSO). The funding is expected to expand healthcare services, strengthen disease prevention efforts, and improve medical coverage for millions of Thai citizens.
A significant portion of the budget, 198.36 billion baht, will go toward capitation-based medical services for over 47 million beneficiaries. Additional funding has been allocated for HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention, chronic kidney disease management, and healthcare services for individuals with diabetes, hypertension, and respiratory conditions. Investments in telemedicine, home delivery of medicines, and community-based nursing services are also included.
Public health services in remote and high-risk areas will receive 1.49 billion baht, while partnerships with local administrative organizations will see increased funding. Programs providing financial compensation for patients and healthcare providers affected by medical procedures will receive 562 million baht, a 7.5% increase from the previous year. Disease prevention and health promotion programs will expand, with 27.76 billion baht allocated to general preventive care.
The budget also introduces new healthcare benefits, including telehealth services, diabetic retinopathy screening for diabetes patients, eyeglasses for children aged 3-15, and community-based drug rehabilitation programs. Non-communicable disease prevention initiatives will be strengthened to address conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and kidney disease.
The NHSB has also been tasked with managing the fund effectively, ensuring nationwide accessibility, and addressing healthcare challenges related to chronic diseases and community-based care. (NNT)
