Prices of drugs, medical supplies and medical services will soon be overseen by a joint committee after the Thai cabinet approved adding them to the price control list (Jan 22, 2019), said Sanook.com.
A sub-committee will be set up to work out fair measures for all stakeholders, including people who may have to use the services at private hospitals from time to time, Commerce Minister Sontirat Sontijirawong said after the cabinet meeting.
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The panel will consist of representatives from the government — Commerce and Public Health ministries — insurers, private hospitals, consumers’ groups and the National Health Security Office, operator of universal health care programme, he added.
“Please don’t think the government is trying to cap the prices of medical services. Of some 50 goods items currently under the list, only sugar sees its price capped. The prices of other products are based on their real costs,” he said.
The Commerce Ministry earlier proposed the addition after receiving numerous complaints from the public about the high prices.
