The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Health is concerned about rising drug transportation costs following an 8-baht increase in diesel prices. He has ordered hospitals nationwide to reduce the travel burden on the public and engaged “Health Rider” services to deliver medications free directly to patients' homes.
On 26 March 2026, Dr. Somrak Jangsaman, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Health, issued a prompt statement after a meeting to assess the impact of the Middle East war, which has caused domestic fuel prices to surge by 6 to 8 baht per liter. He acknowledged that this crisis inevitably affects public health system costs, including expenses for transporting medicines, blood, temperature-controlled medical supplies, and patient referral budgets.
The Permanent Secretary shared data from an impact assessment dashboard showing that 53 provinces are still coping, but 19 provinces have begun experiencing moderate effects. Although no areas are in the red zone yet, proactive measures must be implemented immediately to avoid financial strain on citizens traveling to hospitals. To maintain uninterrupted services and reduce travel costs, the Ministry urgently ordered all public health units nationwide, including hospitals and Subdistrict Health Promoting Hospitals, to increase Telemedicine service coverage to 30% from the previous 8%, including issuing medical certificates via remote consultations.
Additionally, the Ministry is promoting awareness among chronic disease patients and the elderly to primarily use the Super App “Mor Prom” for services. It is mobilizing “Health Rider” teams and pharmacy networks to deliver medicines directly to patients' homes or nearby collection points to minimize travel. Furthermore, it is collaborating with Thailand Post to secure priority shipping for medicines for Telemedicine patients. The Provincial Administrative Organizations are also involved, working with Subdistrict Health Promoting Hospitals transferred under local administration to systematically provide Telemedicine services linked with main hospitals. The goal is to ensure citizens receive medicines and medical care without bearing the increased travel costs at this time.