Covid-19 will be removed from emergency treatment list

[reader]

Although the intended move affects those covered by the government health insurance system, and not international tourists, it illustrates the lack of an integrated approach how Covid cases is treated across the board. The multiple agencies with jurisdiction over the disease promulgate rules and regulations that frequently conflict with one other. In this case there is even in-fighting within the same ministry.

From Bangkok Post

Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul insisted on Monday on moving ahead with a plan to change the conditions for Covid-19 treatment, saying the decision was in line with a policy to downgrade the coronavirus.

He reaffirmed his stance after his deputy, Sathit Pitutecha, on Sunday called on him to delay the March 1 implementation for another month. He was worried about Omicron case surges in recent days.

The Public Health Ministry plans to remove Covid-19 treatment from the list of conditions covered by the Universal Coverage for Emergency Patients (UCEP) scheme from the beginning of next month.

The change means people who test positive for the coronavirus but do not need critical care have to go to the hospital where they are registered under their welfare scheme, to be covered for the cost.

Only those with a critical, secondary infection brought on by Covid-19 will be covered by the UCEP. The UCEP allows patients to seek treatment at any hospital free of charge for three days and then they are transferred to their registered hospital.

https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2263951/anutin-confirms-covid-19-will-be-removed-from-emergency-treatment-list

[Guest]

Surely they should firstly remove the need for unnecessary detention and medical "supervision" in case of covid ?   For both Thai residents and inbound travellers.

As far as I understand, even the medical checks done on asymptomatic people can be done with a thermometer and oximeter, both of which are widely available for sale.  

[reader]

From The Thaiger/ The Nation

Thai respiratory specialist calls for total overhaul of how government handles Covid

A highly-respected specialist in respiratory illnesses says the Thai government needs to completely change tack in the way it’s dealing with Covid-19. Posting on his Facebook page, Dr Manoon Leechawengongs from Bangkok’s Vichaiyut Hospital has called for an overhaul in how new infections are dealt with and wants expensive PCR tests ditched altogether.

The prominent medic says that as it becomes clear the Omicron variant generally results in less severe illness, the government needs to focus on saving money to treat people with more serious diseases.

A highly-respected specialist in respiratory illnesses says the Thai government needs to completely change tack in the way it’s dealing with Covid-19. Posting on his Facebook page, Dr Manoon Leechawengongs from Bangkok’s Vichaiyut Hospital has called for an overhaul in how new infections are dealt with and wants expensive PCR tests ditched altogether.

The prominent medic says that as it becomes clear the Omicron variant generally results in less severe illness, the government needs to focus on saving money to treat people with more serious diseases.

“The government should not focus only on treatment of this disease but it should also take into account its budget and the economic situation.”

Manoon points out that deaths from Omicron are 6 times lower than those from earlier variants and its symptoms are similar to those of the common cold for patients who are fully vaccinated. With 70% of Thailand’s population vaccinated, and around 25% having received a booster dose, he says the government must now treat Omicron as several other countries are doing.

The doctor goes on to point out that a number of countries have ditched the need for expensive PCR tests, due to the significant costs involved. He believes PCR testing should be reserved for those in high-risk groups who are likely to end up hospitalised with Covid, as well as the elderly population in care homes.

https://thethaiger.com/coronavirus/thai-respiratory-specialist-calls-for-total-overhaul-of-how-government-handles-covid

[vinapu]

another  voice of reason, world , Thailand included,  is slowly returning to it's senses

[reader]

From The Thaiger

'Anti-Covid-19' nasal spray will be available later this year

A new “anti-Covid-19” nasal spray is being developed by Thai scientists and the medication, which is said to prevent a coronavirus infection, is expected to be available to the public later this year.

In studies using lab animals, the nasal spray has been shown to block the virus from entering the body. The Health Systems Research Institute, Silpakorn University, Chulalongkorn University, the Government Pharmaceutical Organisation and an unnamed private bioscience organisation are working together to produce the spray.

The spray is expected to be ready to buy in the third quarter of this year, according to the the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at Chulalongkorn University.

The spray is based on a previous study that used a monoclonal antibody collected from recovered Covid-19 patients.

[PeterRS]

I'm curious about this spray. I understood the virus can still enter the body via the eyes and from fingers which then touch the eyes, mouth or food about to be consumed. I wonder how a nasal spray prevents this.