Bangkok: The government is committed to supporting kidney patients with Gold Card rights in southern regions impacted by flooding. A comprehensive system has been put in place to ensure uninterrupted treatment, with a 24-hour toll-free hotline available at 1330 for assistance.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Ayrin Phanrit, Deputy Government Spokesperson, highlighted the challenges faced by end-stage renal disease (CKD) patients requiring hemodialysis (HD) or peritoneal dialysis (PD) due to the flooding. These challenges include travel disruptions, flooded homes, and damage to hospitals and dialysis units. The National Health Security Office (NHSO) is collaborating with hospitals, the Kidney Friends Association of Thailand, and Thailand Post Distribution Co., Ltd. to maintain patient services and deliver dialysis fluid to affected individuals.
For PD patients who are displaced or whose dialysis supplies are compromised, Thailand Post Distribution Co., Ltd. will deliver dialysis fluid to new locations, such as evacuation centers or relatives' homes. Affected patients or their relatives are encouraged to contact the NHSO hotline at 1330 for coordination. Additionally, NHSO staff are reaching out via calls and SMS messages to assess the needs of 284 kidney patients in affected areas, beginning with Songkhla Province.
HD patients facing challenges due to flooded hospitals or travel restrictions can access services at field hospitals established by the Ministry of Public Health's Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in safe locations. Mobile dialysis vehicles are also being deployed to assist patients. It is crucial for patients unable to attend scheduled dialysis sessions to contact their treatment facility or the NHSO hotline immediately to arrange alternative care.
Ms. Airin reassured patients about the coverage of costs associated with changing dialysis units or receiving dialysis solution deliveries through the NHSO. She emphasized the government's commitment to managing benefits in line with the National Health Security Fund's regulations. The NHSO hotline at 1330 remains available 24/7 for Gold Card kidney patients needing assistance in flood-affected areas.