(File photo)Less than half of more than 1,300 patients who have requested emergency treatment nationwide under the government's latest policy on Universal Coverage for Emergency Patients (Ucep) could access their right to get subsidised treatment, the National Institute for Emergency Medicine (NIEM) says. The request number was high on the first day of Songkran Festival, with 243 cases, said Mr Atchariya, adding only 80 could get access to the right for free treatment. However, the secretary-general said round-the-clock emergency call services could be made by calling 1669 to facilitate people who are in need. He stressed that people who access the Ucep rights must be a member of the National Health Security Fund, Social Security Fund or the fund for medical welfare to state officials. The criteria to access the system include severe symptoms of unconsciousness, breathing difficulties, acute chest pain, severe cases related to respiratory problems, blood circulation issues and brain systems.

Source: Bangkok Post April 15, 2017 23:35 UTC