A senator has questioned the inclusion of gender-affirming hormone therapy under Thailand's National Health Security Scheme, citing concerns over spending priorities amid ongoing resource constraints in the public health system.
Senator Veerapun Suvannamai said that while he supports healthcare access for transgender people, the National Health Security Office (NHSO) must carefully assess new spending commitments as many healthcare facilities continue to face financial difficulties.
His remarks followed the NHSO's rollout of the programme under the universal healthcare scheme, with medicines set to be distributed to about 50 pilot service units nationwide from June 10.
"Does the NHSO currently have enough money? Are we that wealthy?" he asked.
Sen Veerapun pointed to the closure of some community clinics, resource shortages at community hospitals, limited access to cancer drugs and waiting times for dialysis treatment.
He said healthcare rights should be available to all groups, but when resources are limited, policymakers must consider whether new spending could affect funding in other areas.
Under the programme, transgender people covered by the universal healthcare scheme will have access to hormone medication, health screenings, mental health counselling and laboratory tests under medical supervision.
The benefit package includes eight hormone-related medicines divided into four groups: female hormones in oral and topical forms, injectable male hormones, oral androgen blockers and central hormone-suppressing injections.
Recipients will also receive ongoing monitoring, including hormone level testing, liver and kidney function checks, and metabolic assessments to monitor long-term side effects.
