The Medical Board and Social Security Board have approved revisions to the criteria for kidney replacement therapy and dialysis, allowing insured persons to access treatment rights more easily and quickly.
On 29 Apr, Ms. Kanchana Poolkaew, Secretary-General of the Social Security Office (SSO), Ministry of Labor, said the Medical Committee and Social Security Committee approved updates to the medical criteria for kidney replacement therapy. This allows insured persons faster, more appropriate, and flexible access to treatment without needing to pay upfront.
Currently, insured persons can apply for approval of hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis when their kidney function (eGFR) drops to 15 or below. Those who meet the criteria—such as a history of chronic kidney disease, blood test results at required levels, and reduced kidney size—can be immediately approved by the local Social Security Office to avoid treatment delays. For those not meeting these criteria, cases will be expedited for individual medical board review. Additionally, insured persons can undergo vascular access surgery for dialysis without prior dialysis registration.
For peritoneal dialysis, insured persons may have the catheter inserted when their eGFR is 10 or below to prepare before treatment begins. For hemodialysis using a dialysis machine, approved insured persons must receive treatment at designated facilities at least twice weekly, with each session lasting no less than four hours, except in cases such as vascular problems, low blood pressure, acute illness requiring surgery or hospitalization, or force majeure events like disasters.
Regarding kidney transplantation, insured persons with end-stage chronic kidney failure currently undergoing dialysis or peritoneal dialysis can exercise transplant rights without new approval. Those who have not previously received this right may apply, provided they meet criteria such as an eGFR of 20 or below and have a kidney donor, and can receive transplantation when their eGFR reaches 10 or below.
Ms. Kanchana added that these revisions increase opportunities for insured persons to access treatment sooner by reducing unnecessary steps and ensuring care fits their condition better. The Social Security Office will continue improving medical benefits to enhance insured persons’ quality of life by providing standardized and comprehensive services. An official announcement from the Medical Committee will be issued to enforce these changes.