On November 12, Dr. Jadej Thammatacharee, Secretary-General of Thailand’s National Health Security Office (NHSO), clarified that pharmacists at registered drugstores are allowed to dispense medications for minor illnesses under the “30 Baht Health Scheme” until a final ruling by the Administrative Court. This decision follows a lawsuit by the Medical Council challenging NHSO’s initiative allowing people with minor health complaints (32 specific conditions) to receive medicines at quality-assured pharmacies rather than hospitals.

Dr. Jadej highlighted that this service, created with the Pharmacy Council, aims to increase healthcare accessibility and reduce strain on hospitals. Surveys showed that long wait times discouraged 51.9% of patients from seeking hospital care under the 30 Baht Scheme. The NHSO initiated this program in 2019, designating licensed pharmacies in Bangkok to deliver preventive health services, a practice later expanded in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Pharmacies took on a larger role, providing screening, medication, and follow-up services, especially for mild cases.

Pharmacists involved in this program are required to monitor patients’ symptoms and refer them to primary care if conditions do not improve within three days. This initiative is part of NHSO’s “30 Baht Treat Everywhere” policy, designed to ease hospital congestion and improve accessibility for those with minor health issues.

The NHSO is set to discuss the matter further with the Ministry of Public Health on November 13 but emphasized that until a final court decision, the public can continue using quality-assured pharmacies for minor ailments.