The low economy and rising cost of living in Thailand have impacted the population’s health and the health service system from the past to the present. Today, we want to show everyone the past health impact of the low economy and invite everyone to plan for medical expenses with 'health insurance' to support future risks.
Initially, let's take everyone back to 1997, which was a year when the economy was in a crisis and many years have passed since then, resulting in healthcare benefits possibly not being as good as they should be.
The economy affected the health of the Thai people in 1997
- Impact on health status
The economy in 1997 had a clear impact on health status, particularly affecting nutrition in the low-income and unemployed groups. For primary school students with below-standard weight, the percentage increased from 10.5% to 12.2% and 12.2%, respectively. Meanwhile, the percentage of infants with low birth weights below 2,500 grams increased from 8.2% to 8.5% and 8.6%. Pregnant women with anaemia increased from 12.9% to 13.0% and 13.9%, respectively. The mortality rate of children under 5 years old increased due to infectious diseases such as malaria, diarrhoea, and dengue fever.
● Impact on health service utilisation behaviour
During this current crisis, Thailand has not yet achieved universal health coverage. Approximately 30% of Thais do not have any health insurance. People increasingly turn to low-cost healthcare options, such as buying medicine and utilising more public healthcare services.
● Impact on health expenditure and budget
Health expenses decreased by 9.3 percent, with drug expenses decreasing by 17.3 percent. State health expenditures decreased faster than private health expenditures. The Ministry of Public Health budget decreased from 67,574 million baht in 1997 to 61,097 million baht in 2001, a decrease of 9.6 percent. This is a reduction in investment budget adjustments.
Next, we will look back at the economic impact of 2008, when the global economy faced various negative factors and significant severity as a historical event. It began with the crisis of high oil prices in the first half of the year, followed by the global financial market crisis, which had various impacts on health conditions. Let's see together.
Economic Impact on Thai Health in 2008
● Impact on Health
This year, the number of newborn babies has decreased compared to the past few years, with approximately 780,000 new births. However, the proportion of newborns weighing less than 2,500 grams and born to mothers aged 11-19 is increasing. Some areas have a high incidence of low birth weight babies or young mothers, which is a persistent long-term problem. This issue has been increasing in some areas over the past one to two years.
Furthermore, the spread of the HIV virus in 2009 showed no sign of decreasing. The newly infected individuals are mostly young, influenced by social changes and lifestyle values. However, the economic crisis did not impact the national AIDS fund as it did not use a high budget, and AIDS expenditures accounted for only 2% of total health expenditures. The HIV drug program saw an increase in expenses from 2008 to 2009, reaching 54% due to an increase in the number of people receiving medication, particularly the second-line regimen.
● Impact on health service utilisation behaviour
The use of outpatient health services from hospitals increased from 3.2 times per person per year in 2005 to 3.8 times per person per year in 2005. The public used state hospitals, including community hospitals and general hospitals, more, while the use of outpatient services at private hospitals slightly decreased. The rate of inpatient hospital visits decreased, with reductions seen across all types of hospitals.
● Impact on health expenditure and budget
In the economic crisis 2008, Thailand has achieved universal health coverage since 2002, making it a safety net for public access to services. Overall household expenses have increased by an average of 1.59 percent, with food and healthcare expenses increasing by 2.31 and 12.33 pe cent, respectively.
Summary of the Economy's Impact on the Health of Thai People
The economic data that affects the above health conditions show that in 1997 and 2008, the health problems encountered were similar. These problems are the impact of nutrition in the poor and unemployed groups, as the population does not have enough money to buy food for consumption.
You will see that in 1997, Thai people did not have comprehensive health insurance. Thai people had to bear the burden of expenses by buying medicine at pharmacies, which may not have received targeted treatment as with health check-ups by doctors. However by 2008, Thai people have comprehensive health insurance, and the burden of expenses has decreased.
Looking back at the health impacts from past economic downturns, it can be seen that planning healthcare expenses is very important. Although we currently have social insurance that covers healthcare expenses, it still has many limitations. If we want to receive the best treatment amid this economic downturn, planning for medical expenses with 'health insurance' to support future risks is an interesting proposition.
Plan for medical expenses with 'health insurance' to prepare for future risks.
The inflation rate of healthcare costs can be as high as 7-8% per year, leading to a potential increase of up to 2 times within 8-10 years. Health insurance can help mitigate the risk of insufficient coverage from social or group insurance as healthcare costs continue to rise. Planning ahead is key.
● Study health insurance and check family health history. Start by examining the proposals and health coverage conditions of various insurance companies. At the same time, check your own and your siblings' medical history to assess the risks of potential hereditary diseases. Then, look for health insurance that covers various illnesses and fevers that may occur.
● Calculate health insurance cost.
By examining and evaluating the hospital expenses we use as a basis, and considering insurance coverage to cover various necessary expenses such as maximum coverage per year and expenses per illness per occurrence, room expenses, food expenses, maximum daily hospitalisation expenses, general hospitalisation expenses, ICU room expenses in emergency cases, various fees such as surgery fees, physician's fees, specialist physician fees, and physician visit fees, accident hospitalisation expenses, income compensation while hospitalised, and compensation in case of death from various serious illnesses.
However, although health insurance can help reduce the burden of medical expenses and provide better access to healthcare, the best health insurance is suitable for your ability to pay premiums.