Convincing Reasons Why Expats Living In Thailand Must Take Advantage Of The Country’s Healthcare System
Source: Thailand Medical News Jan 14, 2019 5 years, 10 months, 1 week, 3 days, 9 hours ago
There are many convincing reasons why expats living in Thailand must take advantage of the country’s healthcare systems.
As well as looking at the real benefits to be seen if an individual ever needs to avail of the country’s world-class hospitals, we, at Thailand Medical News will also touch on the more practical matters at local healthcare level.
There is a local clinic near you!
Expats living and working in Thailand will surely have noticed the proliferation of neighbourhood clinics in their area.
If directions were needed, just look for a throng of locals waiting patiently at the clinic entrance before opening time. The system is very similar to a visit to your home-country GP, but the doctor’s receptionists are far easier to get past!
Do not let the number of locals waiting for treatment deter you. These clinics are extremely efficient and it is rare to find a resident doctor that does not speak English. If you have any concerns over the language barrier take a Thai partner or friend who has a reasonable command of your language to help explain your ailment.
Diagnosis is swift and any medication required will see a prescription written that can often be exchanged in the clinic for the recommended medication. Costs for seeing the doctor and the price of the actual prescription are extremely low compared to Western countries.
Local pharmacies:
Pharmacies in Thailand are certainly not in short supply. Finding one with qualified dispensing staff should be no problem at all. Their level of English is usually excellent and once you explain what condition you are seeking medication for, they will quickly come up with a solution.
That solution will be an “over-the-counter” (OTC) medication which can be purchased without prescription.
The choice of OTC medication is wide and varied and includes what expats may know as “reputable generic brands”. Indeed, if you know exactly the medication and brand name you are looking for, there is a strong likelihood that it will be available, or, at the very least an alternative brand offered.
Cost of OTC medication including generic brands will pleasantly surprise. These low costs will certainly leave your wallet in a far healthier state than after a pharmacy visit in your own country!
Dental procedures:
Thailand is renowned for its world-class dental clinics and hospitals. The level of care as well as standards of treatment are up there with the best the world has to offer.
There is of course one significant differentiator: Cost.
The superlative services offered by dental establishments cover every known form of dental treatment.
From basic Teeth Whitening to complex implant and bridging procedures, whatever dental treatment you require it is available at a far lower cost than in your home country.
Treatment is carried out in either impressively designed and equipped clinics or dental hospitals with state-of-the-art facilities and equipment.
The fully-qualified dentists who will treat you have often studied and worked abroad before coming back to Thailand to either join a reputable dental establishment or to set-up an independent
dental clinic.
By understanding what is offered and researching dental practice specialties in the Kingdom you will be in a position to make an informed choice on where to go for your dental treatment.
Ophthalmic treatment:
Eye treatment is another area in which Thailand is one of the world leaders. Fully qualified optometrists and ophthalmologists populate the country’s top-class eye clinics and branches of the Kingdom’s leading hospitals have world-standard specialists working in their eye treatment centres.
Laser eye surgery is a very popular treatment and the country has specialist centres where such treatment can be given.
First-class hospitals and clinics:
For expats in need of out-patient or in-patient treatment, whether scheduled or emergency, peace of mind can be found in the excellent choice of international hospitals the Kingdom has.
Here are 5 compelling reasons as to exactly why this is:
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First-class, fully qualified medical teams: The fully qualified and experienced specialists, doctors and medical staff working in the country’s hospitals and healthcare establishments have undergone intensive training and a strenuous qualification process. Many have also chosen to further their experience by going on secondment to foreign countries. English is widely spoken by the medical teams and these quality hospitals also provide translation personnel for those whose first language is not English.
- World-class facilities: Make no mistake, the healthcare facilities available in Thailand’s hospitals and healthcare centres is second-to-none.
State-of-the-art equipment and treatment rooms are standard, out-patient facilities and services have been fine-tuned to ensure an individual feels comfortable in an environment that is conducive to any out-patient treatment they require, and those in need of in-patient services will find luxurious, relaxing accommodation to suit every need and pocket.
- Minimal waiting lists: The length of treatment waiting lists in most Western countries is a source of concern for many. This is certainly not the case in Thailand hospitals and healthcare establishments.
There is often
no waiting list to worry about and if any are in place these are minimal. This means you receive treatment when you need it.
- Preventative measures are a priority: This is something that is far too often overlooked. We have all heard the saying “Prevention is better than cure”. Thailand’s hospitals and healthcare system have taken this approach to heart.
Faster treatment times, regular check-up’s and straight-talking recommendations on lifestyle go a very long way to avoid or reduce any future health problems.
Peace of mind at an affordable price:
It is very easy to understand exactly why expats living in Thailand should take full advantage of the country’s healthcare system.
Whether you choose local clinic treatment, opt for a pharmacy visit to receive generic brand OTC medication for minor illnesses, or need to avail of the 5-star international hospitals for major surgery there is something to meet every medical situation.
Should you need any assistance, do not hesitate the use the free services of our live chat Medical Concierge at www. Thailandmedical.news. We at Thailand Medical News are all about improving free medical information access to all, from Medical Professionals, Medical Students and Reseachers, To Local Thais and Expats trying to get hold of medical information or information about medical services.
