The Ministry of Public Health has launched a pilot programme requiring migrant workers to purchase health insurance, aiming to reduce the state’s healthcare burden and strengthen disease control along border areas.
The pilot service centres have been established in Tak, Mae Hong Son, Kanchanaburi, and Ratchaburi provinces.
The initiative follows Public Health Minister Pattana Promphat’s policy to expand health insurance coverage for migrant workers as part of the ministry’s “Quick Win” strategy to lower national medical expenses and improve public health protection.
Deputy Public Health Minister Worachot Sukhonkhachon said during the launching event yesterday that the one-stop service centres in the four border provinces provide health check-ups and access to health insurance for refugees and migrant workers, in collaboration with the Interior and Labour ministries.
To enhance efficiency and security, the ministry is developing a central digital system called the FDH-Migrant Platform, which will link migrant health insurance data with national databases such as the Health Insurance for Non-Thai People System.
The platform will also support biometric identity verification, electronic medical certificates, and online insurance purchases.