Beginning January 1, 2025, major hospitals in Thailand, including Siriraj, Ramathibodi, Chulalongkorn, and Bhumibol, will require cancer patients under the 30-Baht Universal Health Coverage (UHC) scheme to present a referral document from their primary healthcare provider before receiving treatment. This change is part of adjustments to the National Health Security Office's (NHSO) "Cancer Anywhere" fund.
The revised policy aims to ensure continuity and accessibility of cancer care while introducing stricter conditions for reimbursement. Under the new guidelines, NHSO will cover only specific treatments such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Patients must adhere to this referral process for coverage to be approved.