A troubling incident has come to light involving a mother who allegedly exploited the healthcare system by collecting free nasal spray medication from hospitals and selling it online. She reportedly visited 31 locations, amassing 318 bottles and profiting approximately 150,000 baht (US$4,340).
The National Health Security Office (NHSO) in Thailand has launched an urgent investigation into the matter, vowing to take strict action against such misuse.
The incident gained attention following a post on a popular Thai web forum, Pantip, where a member questioned, “Should the healthcare system collapse with parents selling their child’s free medication?”
The post detailed how the mother appeared unconcerned about her daughter’s need for the medication, choosing instead to profit by selling it.
The post also speculated on whether the mother had become too accustomed to exploiting the system, given her alleged track record of selling previous batches.
The post went viral, sparking outrage and prompting further scrutiny. According to reports, the woman managed to sell each bottle of nasal spray for 500 baht (US$15), accumulating a significant profit while hospitals complained about insufficient funding.
Nasal spray
The NHSO, which oversees the universal health coverage in Thailand, is taking these allegations very seriously.
Yesterday, December 19, Atthaporn Limpanyalert, Deputy Secretary General of the NHSO, addressed the situation, expressing gratitude for the information shared online.
Atthaporn reiterated the importance of the universal health coverage system, designed to ensure everyone has access to healthcare without financial barriers.
“Selling medication provided by hospitals online is inappropriate and unfair to other patients. It unnecessarily burdens medical staff and violates the law.”
Preliminary investigations confirmed irregularities in the frequency of the mother’s visits to obtain medication. The NHSO tasked the relevant regional office with investigating whether the medication was collected from a single service unit or multiple locations.
They also advised the recording of these activities in official logs to address the overall damage to the national health insurance fund caused by such actions.
Affordable healthcare
The NHSO’s fund is financed by public taxes, designed to cover medical expenses for citizens, particularly those holding the 30-baht gold card, which allows for affordable healthcare services.
The deputy secretary general highlighted that if medications are collected too frequently, especially from clinics or emergency rooms during off-hours, it adds unnecessary pressure on medical staff who must prioritise more urgent cases.
In response to this incident, the NHSO plans to collaborate with relevant healthcare service providers to gather comprehensive data and swiftly address any abnormalities. They are particularly focused on the distribution of nasal spray medication used to alleviate allergy symptoms, as highlighted in the news.
If investigations confirm the sale of these medications, the NHSO intends to pursue legal action to the fullest extent.
Atthaporn issued a stern warning to those involved in such activities or considering similar actions, emphasising the legal consequences and the harm inflicted on the national health insurance system, which serves as a crucial health safety net for all Thai citizens, reported KhaoSod.
The NHSO urges anyone with relevant information to come forward, promising prompt action to rectify the situation.
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