Improve access to healthcare for the homeless, advocates advocate
In a bid to address the healthcare challenges faced by homeless individuals in Thailand, Areeya Supriyaporn of the Thai Homeless Confederation has submitted a proposal titled "Recommendations for Appropriate Health Services for the Homeless." The proposal was presented ahead of the National Health Security Office (NHSO) board meeting, chaired by Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin.
The proposal outlines five key demands aimed at creating a more inclusive and accessible healthcare system for the homeless. These include:
1. Establishing a working group under the NHSO to develop targeted healthcare services for homeless populations. 2. Coordinating with local authorities to eliminate discrimination against homeless people and remove geographic restrictions that currently limit their access to services. 3. Developing emergency care shelters to provide immediate healthcare support for homeless individuals in need. 4. Creating a unified patient database to better track and manage healthcare information for homeless persons, facilitating consistent care despite their transient lifestyles. 5. Implementing mobile health units in collaboration with Bangkok health centres and homeless shelters to provide outreach-based healthcare services directly to homeless individuals.
Mr. Somsak acknowledged the complexity of providing healthcare for the homeless, especially in cases where individuals lack national ID cards or permanent addresses. Such exclusion creates access disparities in healthcare for homeless individuals. Dr Thammatacharee, NHSO secretary-general, stated that while the universal coverage scheme ensures coverage through the "gold card," access for the homeless remains inconsistent due to their transient lifestyle.
Ms Areeya emphasized that public health services must reflect the realities of homelessness. She underscored the need for an outreach-based approach to ensure healthcare services for homeless individuals. The proposal aims to create a system that addresses the unique challenges faced by the homeless, such as their lack of permanent addresses and the transient nature of their lives.
The NHSO could play a key role in coordinating efforts with various ministries and local authorities regarding healthcare for homeless individuals. The urging comes despite these individuals being legally covered under the universal coverage scheme. The proposal reflects a commitment to ensuring that no one is left behind in the pursuit of universal healthcare.
[1] This article is based on a press release from the Thai Homeless Confederation and discussions with Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin and NHSO secretary-general Dr. Jadej Thammatacharee.
- Given the challenges in providing healthcare for the homeless, particularly those without national ID cards or permanent addresses, the need for a more inclusive and accessible health system – incorporating mental health and science – is crucial, as evinced by Areeya Supriyaporn's proposal for appropriate health services.
- To better cater to the unique needs of homeless individuals and close the healthcare access disparities associated with their transient lifestyles, it is essential for the National Health Security Office (NHSO) to not only coordinate efforts with relevant ministries and local authorities but also to integrate health-and-wellness measures, including mental health, into their proposed outreach-based healthcare approach.
