SSO request rejected
Permanent secretary for Labour Juthathawat Inthornsuksri yesterday rejected a request by the Social Security Office (SSO) medical board to increase the medical-service subsidy from Bt1,250 per person to Bt1,284 this year.
Juthathawat, who chairs the SSO board, said he could not allow the rise because the medical board's request had no justification and was not accompanied by any research indicating it was necessary. He urged the board to clearly explain why the rise was needed. "We can't allow anything that would damage the fund and cause a loss of benefits," he said. Hospitals, which receive the subsidy for each person who registers with them, have the option of cancelling contracts with the SSO, Juthathawat said, adding that many doctors were ready to treat patients. If the medical board insists on raising the subsidy, the issue could be discussed, but board members who remain disappointed can resign, he said.
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