Bangkok:The government is taking urgent measures to address liquidity problems faced by hospitals. The Ministry of Public Health and the National Health Security Office are working swiftly to process payments amounting to 2,812 million baht for medical expenses to 894 hospitals, alongside managing advance funds of 4,299 million baht. The government assures that these financial adjustments will not impact public healthcare services.
According to Thai News Agency, the Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, Ms. Lalida Periswiwatana, disclosed that under the leadership of Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, the government is committed to maintaining the continuity of public health services. Recently, an agreement was reached between the Ministry of Public Health and the National Health Security Office on budget management, aimed at expediting payments for delayed medical services totaling 2,812.21 million baht to hospitals under the Ministry of Public Health. An additional plan has been established to manage 4,299 million baht in advance payments, considering the liquidity of these hospitals.
The National Health Security Office will prioritize reimbursement processing for specific service items Specific Case Fees, Fees for Chronic Kidney Failure Patients, and Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Fees. Concurrently, the Ministry of Public Health will ensure that hospitals receive their funds promptly. For the 4,299 million baht advance payment, both agencies plan to utilize the inpatient fund budget awaiting allocation in fiscal year 2026, amounting to 3,172.56 million baht. Any remaining difference of approximately 1,000 million baht will be managed by deducting from service fees in fiscal year 2027, after consultation with the hospitals.
Additionally, if the budget for specific service cases in fiscal year 2026 falls short, the National Health Security Office will use the 2027 budget to cover the costs, ensuring uninterrupted reimbursement to hospitals. Ms. Lalida emphasized the government's commitment to hospital liquidity, as it is crucial for patient care. Although the payment process is being expedited, it does not guarantee that all hospitals have received their payments yet. The government will continue to monitor the situation to ensure hospitals are ready to provide services and that the public receives continuous medical care.