Today, the Thai cabinet sanctioned a budget of Bt235 billion for the fiscal year 2025 to bolster the universal health security scheme, commonly known as the Gold Card. This initiative ensures that every citizen receives medical coverage averaging Bt3,844.55. This allocation marks a 9.53% increase from the 2024 budget, highlighting the government’s commitment to enhancing healthcare accessibility.
The majority of this funding, approximately Bt181 billion, is earmarked for the health security scheme, benefiting around 47 million Thais. Specific allocations within the budget include Bt3.5 billion for HIV/AIDS medical services, Bt689 million for HIV prevention, and Bt13.5 billion for the treatment of chronic kidney disease, representing a 5.46% increase from the prior year.
Further investments in public health include Bt1.16 billion for diabetes and hypertension management, Bt78 million for chronic psychiatric conditions, and Bt51 million for asthma care. To address health service needs in the southern border provinces and other arid regions, the budget will see an increase of about Bt1.4 billion in the next fiscal year.
Deputy government spokesman Karom Pholpornklang emphasized the government’s dedication to improving health services, reflecting a strategic distribution of resources to address diverse health challenges across the nation.
