NHSO partners with 'Sombat Tour' to promote universal healthcare benefits

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Home / New & Activities / News and information about social activities

News and information about social activities

NHSO partners with 'Sombat Tour' to promote universal healthcare benefits

The National Health Security Office (NHSO) partners with Sombat Tour to promote information on universal healthcare benefits to passengers on buses and at rest stops.

The NHSO and Sombat Tour are collaborating to care for universal healthcare beneficiaries by establishing information areas on buses and at bus rest stops nationwide. This initiative aims to publicize the 30-baht universal healthcare card, explaining the procedures for using the benefits, highlighting new advantages, and ensuring correct access to healthcare services for the public.

At the Sombat Tour Customer Service Center, Vibhavadi Branch, Bangkok – On November 28, 2022, the National Health Security Office (NHSO), Thepsombat Co., Ltd. (Sombat Tour), and Bangkok Bus Line Co., Ltd. held a press conference announcing their collaboration on “NHSO and Sombat Tour to Promote Universal Health Coverage Rights on Buses and at Rest Stops Nationwide.” The initiative aims to provide information about Universal Health Coverage to bus passengers, ensuring they understand the correct procedures for using their benefits and thereby increasing access to healthcare. This collaboration between government and private sector entities seeks to better care for the public.

Dr. Sinchai Towattanakitkul, Deputy Secretary-General of the National Health Security Office (NHSO), stated that the National Health Security System, or "30-Baht Card," is a core health insurance benefit for Thais, covering medical treatment for nearly 48 million eligible individuals. However, ensuring access to the rights and services under the various benefit packages within the 30-Baht system requires raising public awareness of the rights and service delivery methods. This should be achieved through utilizing all available communication channels and collaborating with various sectors to disseminate information to target groups.

In terms of communication, "on buses" and "bus stops" are effective public relations spaces for reaching target audiences. Millions of people use public transportation daily to travel to various locations, making them excellent locations for conveying information. Therefore, the National Health Security Office (NHSO) has collaborated with Thepsombat Co., Ltd. and Bangkok Bus Line Co., Ltd., Thai public transportation operators with extensive experience providing services across the country, to utilize space on buses and at bus stops managed by Sombat Tour Co., Ltd. This collaboration aims to communicate information about the Universal Health Coverage scheme, including benefits, how to use them, changing service providers or designated healthcare providers, and service procedures, through various public relations channels.

“Today marks a great example of cooperation between the government and private sectors. The National Health Security Office (NHSO) is very pleased that Sombat Tour has become a part of expanding communication channels regarding the 30-baht universal healthcare scheme. This is a contribution to ensuring citizens have access to their rights and reflects the company's concern for the health of its passengers. The informational materials on the 30-baht scheme that the NHSO will disseminate under this collaboration will undoubtedly benefit the public, including all passengers,” said the Deputy Secretary-General of the NHSO.

Mr. Pisit Sitthithananchaikul, Executive Director of Thepsombat Co., Ltd., stated that Sombat Tour has been operating public passenger transportation in Thailand for over 50 years, committed to developing its business capabilities and upgrading passenger transportation services to international standards. Currently, its services cover the North, Northeast, Central, and South regions, totaling 32 routes with over 350 buses. This results in a large number of passengers traveling daily, many of whom are 30-baht universal healthcare beneficiaries. Having access to information and understanding the 30-baht scheme will benefit Sombat Tour's passengers, leading to this collaboration.

Regarding public relations channels, Sombat Tour has available space to communicate with passengers both on its buses and at rest stops. This includes TV screens showing videos about the 30-baht universal healthcare scheme, as well as signage and brochures to inform passengers. Previously, they collaborated with the National Health Security Office (NHSO) by placing promotional stickers on the rear of their buses.

“We see the benefits for our passengers. The 30-baht universal healthcare scheme is a health right for Thai citizens and encompasses many programs. However, some people may not know how to use their rights, what diseases are covered, or what beneficial programs are available. Therefore, Sombat Tour is supporting this initiative to communicate this useful information to the public,” said a director of Thepsombat Co., Ltd.

Mr. Siwat Wongbophit, Managing Director of Bangkok Bus Line Co., Ltd., stated that their company, a subsidiary of Thepsombat Co., Ltd., aims to be a world-class transportation expert. Currently, they operate 36 buses, primarily serving routes in the northern region. Regarding the 30-baht universal healthcare scheme, he views it as a fundamental health right for all Thais. He believes that public awareness of the rights and services offered by the National Health Security Office (NHSO) will help citizens, including Bangkok Bus Line passengers, access necessary medical treatment and healthcare services. The company is committed to contributing to positive social activities and is pleased to support the NHSO in promoting the 30-baht universal healthcare scheme to ensure all Thais receive adequate healthcare.

For more information, please contact
1. NHSO Hotline 1330
2. Online channels:
• NHSO Line: Type Line ID @nhso or click https://lin.ee/zzn3pU6
• Facebook: National Health Security Office