On May 19, Mrs. Marasri Jairangsee, Secretary-General of the Social Security Office (SSO), addressed the increasing number of insured patients suffering from chronic kidney disease, which significantly impacts both patient health and the national economy. The SSO confirmed its commitment to providing comprehensive care for insured patients under Articles 33 and 39 who are suffering from kidney disease at all stages, with treatment available at designated hospitals at no cost to patients.

For insured patients with end-stage chronic kidney disease, the SSO provides renal replacement therapy benefits including:

1. Hemodialysis Treatment: Coverage up to 1,500 baht per session and no more than 4,500 baht per week (18,000 baht monthly), including blood vessel preparation and catheter insertion costs according to specified procedures and essential medical supplies, with no time limit restrictions.

2. HIV-Positive Patients: Special hemodialysis coverage at designated SSO hospitals, paying actual costs up to 4,000 baht per session and no more than 12,000 baht per week.

3. Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD): Benefits up to 20,000 baht monthly, plus catheter insertion and equipment costs up to 20,000 baht per case for a 2-year period, with additional coverage up to 10,000 baht if catheter replacement is needed within the 2-year timeframe.

4. Automated Peritoneal Dialysis: Coverage for actual costs up to 32,700 baht monthly for qualified patients capable of performing automated peritoneal dialysis.

5. Kidney Transplantation: Complete medical services coverage before, during, and after transplant surgery, plus lifelong immunosuppressive medications.

The SSO Secretary-General emphasized that patients wishing to use renal replacement therapy benefits must obtain prior approval from SSO offices nationwide. Required documentation includes application forms (SSO 2-18), relevant medical records, physician certificates, nephrologist certifications, identification documents, and for foreign workers, valid passports and work permits.

For hemodialysis treatment, patients can apply electronically through registered hospitals that provide dialysis services with the SSO. Hospital listings are available at www.sso.go.th, and additional information can be obtained from SSO offices nationwide or through the 24-hour hotline 1506.