On a bustling Monday, under the warm embrace of the Thai sun, Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew unveiled a groundbreaking initiative that promises to redefine healthcare accessibility in the Land of Smiles. Dubbed as the “health rider” service, this novel approach to medicine delivery was introduced amidst the pomp and ceremony of the annual Day of Village Public Health Volunteers, held at the esteemed Pua School within the serene landscapes of Nan’s Pua district.
The initiative is ingeniously woven into the fabric of the 30-baht plus healthcare scheme—a visionary program that empowers Thai nationals with the simple presentation of their national identity card to seek medical treatment far and wide, with just a nominal fee of 30 baht. Although its wings currently stretch across 32 provinces, the whispers of its expansion to a nationwide embrace are already on the breeze, with Bangkok patiently awaiting its turn.
Among the distinguished guests were stalwarts of public health governance, including Public Health permanent secretary Opas Karnkawinpong and Nan’s very own deputy governor Theva Panyaboon. Together, they shared the stage with no less than 2,600 village health volunteers—true unsung heroes in the grassroots healthcare narrative of Thailand.
The ceremony was a heartfelt homage to these volunteers, with Cholnan bestowing awards upon the most outstanding among them, particularly those from the northern regions and Health Areas 1 through 3. In a touching gesture, health riders from all corners of Nan province were adorned in new uniforms, symbolizing their crucial role under the telepharmacy services of the 30-baht plus endeavour.
The health riders, Cholnan eloquently explained, are the knights in shining armor for patients who are either bedridden or face challenges in accessing hospitals or pharmacies. Their steeds? Motorcycles, equipped with the elixirs of life, ready to brave distances up to a 15-kilometer radius from hospitals to ensure timely delivery of prescribed medicines.
The wheels of this service began turning in December of the previous year, with Nan pioneering the initiative through a network of 78 health riders connected to 14 hospitals. The impact was immediate and profound; by March 14, a staggering 2,796 orders had been completed. This marvel of medical logistics not only brought smiles to countless faces but also slashed the daily hospital queues for medicines by a remarkable 14%.
A Public Health Ministry survey painted the picture of satisfaction, with a near-universal acclaim from patients who delighted in the efficient delivery times and the luxury of not having to venture to hospitals for their prescriptions. Moreover, Cholnan illuminated a path for health volunteers and hospital personnel keen on joining this noble cause, with the promise of a “provider ID” under the 30-baht plus scheme that could also serve as a source of additional income.
In a bold move to broaden the horizon of this service, the Public Health Ministry is in explorative talks with the titans of logistics—Global Jet Express, GRAB, Robinhood, Line Man, SCG Logistics, Kerry, Dawei, and even Thailand Post. This collaboration promises to weave a seamless web of medicine delivery across Thailand, ensuring that no patient is left behind.
From its humble inception at a school in Nan to the grand vision of nationwide coverage, the health rider service stands as a testament to Thailand’s commitment to pioneering healthcare solutions. Thus, the Land of Smiles continues to ride boldly into the future, ensuring that every citizen’s journey towards health is as smooth and carefree as a breeze.
