NHSO goes ahead with decision despite some concerns over legality, efficiency.

THE DECISION to establish a new network, called the Network of Medical Service Providers, to be responsible for buying medical supplies for the universal healthcare scheme has drawn fire. The National Health Security Office (NHSO) decided to set up the new unit at its board meeting yesterday. However, concerns have already been voiced that it would be inefficient, illegal, and detrimental to patients.  The network will be led by Rajavithi Hospital, which will handle purchases for the upcoming fiscal year that begins on October 1.

The network will buy medical supplies based on guidelines set by a committee made up of representatives from relevant agencies. Public Health Minister Piyasakol Sakolsatayadorn said yesterday that he would “soon inform the Cabinet”.

He said that patients’ rights and benefits under the universal healthcare scheme would not be affected.  “In practice, the procurement system will be very much the same but it will boast greater transparency,” he said.  The universal healthcare scheme now covers nearly 50 million people in Thailand.  The NHSO has always purchased medical supplies that are best bought in bulk such as antidotes, vaccines and artificial knees. However, the Office of the Auditor General recently pointed out that the NHSO has no legal power to make procurements. Cautions from the office prompted authorities to explore solutions.  After a series of discussions, the NHSO board members voted to approve the proposal to set up a new unit to buy medical supplies. The approval got the backing of 12 board members. Four other members voted against it while one other member abstained. Saree Ongsomwang who is the minority voice at the NHSO board questioned Rajavithi Hospital’s ability to procure medical supplies on an urgent basis. “It will have less than one and a half months to prepare everything,” she said.As well, she doubted whether the NHSO’s choice was legal.  Saree said that the NHSO had long been credited for saving several billions of baht in the state budget each year because of its efficient central procurement.  “But lately, I’ve heard there are efforts to push up the artificial knee price from Bt48,500 each to Bt50,000,” she said.  Anan Muangmoolchai, the president of Thailand Network of People living with HIV/AIDS, said that the |shortage of drugs for the universal healthcare scheme was now imminent because of the central procurement controversy. “At many hospitals, patients who have usually been prescribed Teevir cannot get it anymore. They are told to take Teno-m+EFV instead,” he said.He added that some pharmacists told him they could not get several other medicines such as Rilpivirine and Abacavir. “Is it because relevant authorities have been trying to bar the NHSO from handling the central procurement?” he asked.

Source:
courtesy of BANGKOK POST

by The Nation

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