LAUSR

The evaluation of Basic Occupational Health Services (BOHS) in Thailand was quite satisfactory however, there were some limitations especially the lack of financial support for such services. This study aims to develop the financial system of BOHS provided to informal workers (IFW). The descriptive study was conducted during 2022-2023. The cost of BOHS and the Occupational Diseases and Environmental Diseases Control Act A.D. 2019 (OD Act) were reviewed. One-day meetings were held twice to discuss the existing financial system. Finally, the policy brief related to the financial system was submitted to the National Health Security Office which develops the healthcare system under the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) scheme. The surveillance of occupational diseases (OD) among IFW who shall be entitled to obtain health examination was stated in the section 27 under the OD Act. Costs of BOHS activities including walkthrough survey, risk assessment, health surveillance, OD diagnosis and risk management have been explored. Two options of the costs were proposed as follow: Option 1: specification for all IFW = 70 Baht or 2 USD/capita, and Option 2: specification for only high risk IFW who are exposed to lead (350 Baht or 10 USD/capita), silica dust (600 Baht or 17 USD/capita), asbestos (600 Baht or 17 USD/capita), and pesticides (30 Baht or 1 USD/capita). The financial support is an essential mechanism to enforce such a law. Specification of the BOHS cost for all IFW (Option 1) in the UHC system is highly recommended to increase the coverage of such services.