Cabinet approves new UCEP criteria for critical emergency patients

Thairath•Politics•22h ago

Reader Briefing

The Cabinet approved the criteria, methods, and conditions for expenses related to the Universal Coverage for Emergency Patients (UCEP) as proposed by the Ministry of Public Health.

•The Cabinet approved UCEP criteria on September 15, 2026.
•Medical facilities must provide emergency treatment to critical patients for up to 72 hours without charging fees.
•Expenses within the first 72 hours are billed to the National Health Security Office (NHSO).
•Patients must bear costs themselves if they refuse transfer after the critical phase or wish to move to another facility.

Overview

•The Cabinet approved the criteria, methods, and conditions for Universal Coverage for Emergency Patients (UCEP) B.E. .... as proposed by the Ministry of Public Health.
•Ms. Ploythale Laksameesaengchan, Deputy Government Spokesperson, announced the Cabinet's resolution on September 15, 2026.
•Medical facilities are required to treat critical emergency patients to move them out of danger according to professional standards without initial charging conditions.
•Patients who disagree with emergency level screening may appeal to the National Institute for Emergency Medicine (NIEM) within 90 days.
•Medical facilities must provide care until the critical phase ends and continue treatment for the cause of the crisis for up to 72 hours from admission.
•Costs for the first 72 hours are collected by the National Health Security Office (NHSO), while costs after 72 hours are charged to the patient's legal fund or the patient.
•The update to UCEP criteria aims to align with current emergency medical management, increase survival rates, and reduce the financial burden on patients.
•The updated criteria are effective from the date of the Cabinet's resolution.

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Source: Thairath (Original)

Key Entities

Organization

Cabinet(ครม.)

The body that approved the criteria, methods, and conditions for critical emergency patient expenses.

Ministry of Public Health(กระทรวงสาธารณสุข)

The ministry that proposed the UCEP criteria, methods, and conditions to the Cabinet.

National Institute for Emergency Medicine (NIEM)(สพฉ.)

The agency responsible for consultation on emergency screening and handling appeals regarding screening results.

National Health Security Office (NHSO)(สปสช.)

The agency responsible for auditing costs and receiving expense claims for the first 72 hours of critical care.

Social Security Office(สำนักงานประกันสังคม)

The agency managing the treatment system for patients with social security rights during transfers.

Comptroller General's Department(กรมบัญชีกลาง)ℹ️

The department that defines guidelines for patients with government welfare medical benefits.

Department of Medical Services(กรมการแพทย์)

The entity that determines the criteria for discharging COVID-19 patients from hospitals.

Person

Ploythale Laksameesaengchan(พลอยทะเล ลักษมีแสงจันทร์)

The Deputy Government Spokesperson who revealed the Cabinet's resolution regarding UCEP.

Policy

Universal Coverage for Emergency Patients (UCEP)(Universal Coverage for Emergency Patients : UCEP)

The policy governing the determination of expenses for critical emergency patients.

Law

Royal Decree on Medical Welfare Benefits 2010(พระราชกฤษฎีกาเงินสวัสดิการเกี่ยวกับการรักษาพยาบาล พ.ศ. 2553)

The law providing medical benefits to government officials and eligible persons.