The Ministry of Public Health reveals that nearly 1,000 foreign patients are queueing for treatment in Thailand, primarily from Arab, ASEAN, and Chinese backgrounds. They emphasize a strong surveillance system and plan to review the countries of origin and laboratory checks after a Qatari national tested positive for COVID-19 despite a negative test result 72 hours prior to entering Thailand.

At the Ministry of Public Health, during a press conference on the COVID-19 situation, Dr. Thares Kratsanaiwirote, Director-General of the Department of Health Service Support, stated that following the easing of restrictions by the COVID-19 Situation Administration Center (CCSA) allowing foreign patients to receive scheduled medical services in Thailand, there are currently 169 patients in Alternative Hospital Quarantine (AHQ), comprising 93 patients and 76 companions. On August 25, 2020, an additional 4 patients and companions are expected to arrive, along with 423 confirmed patients and 250 companions, totaling 673 individuals who will be arriving gradually.

Thus, the total number of patients and companions who have pre-arranged their arrival is 846, mostly from the Middle East, ASEAN, and China. There are 98 hospitals and 26 clinics that have been assessed and approved to accommodate these patients, who are seeking treatment for chronic diseases, cancer, and musculoskeletal issues, among others.

Dr. Thares stated that the department, in collaboration with the Private Hospital Association and clinics, has established guidelines for foreign patients seeking treatment in Thailand, with patients responsible for all costs. The procedures include: 1. A negative COVID-19 test result within 72 hours before entering the country. 2. Financial proof of ability to pay and insurance coverage. 3. Contacting the Thai embassy for permission to enter the country. 4. Upon arrival in Thailand, transportation must be arranged by the hospital, and there must be designated facilities.

5. Laboratory tests will be conducted three times: the first upon arrival, the second on days 5-7, and the third on day 14. If a positive result is found, the patient must receive treatment while undergoing an investigation to ensure safety. 6. If the patient recovers before 14 days, they must still complete a 14-day quarantine before being discharged from the hospital. All costs must be borne by the patient, and failure to comply will result in legal penalties under the Emergency Decree, the Communicable Disease Act of 2015, and penalties for hospitals not adhering to the Hospital Act of 1998.

When asked about the case of a Qatari man who tested positive for COVID-19 after arriving in Thailand, Dr. Thares explained that the system requires confirmation of a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours before traveling to Thailand. However, upon the first test in Thailand, he was found to be positive, marking the second case, following a previous case involving a Bangladeshi national. Nevertheless, tests on the Qatari man's family members, who must remain in the hospital for monitoring, returned negative. They must still undergo a 14-day observation period. In the future, if such cases increase, there may be a review of the countries previously reported as COVID-19 free, as well as the laboratory testing standards of those countries.

Dr. Thanarak Pholpipat, Deputy Director-General of the Disease Control Department, noted that the COVID-19 situation in Qatar has accumulated 117,000 cases, with about 200 new cases daily, but this rate is relatively stable, indicating that they have passed the peak of the outbreak. He personally believes that the monitoring of patients in alternative hospitals is not a major concern if the hospitals follow the established guidelines, as it would be considered low risk due to the management by medical personnel.

Additionally, healthcare workers caring for foreign patients, even if they are not COVID-19 positive, must have protective equipment similar to that used for COVID-19 patients. This is because if one person tests positive, the hospital staff will be considered exposed and must undergo a 14-day quarantine, rendering them unable to work. Therefore, hospitals face high stakes and will have stringent monitoring and control systems in place; otherwise, what is intended as income or profit could turn into a loss.

SOURCE : www.bangkokbiznews.com