FRIDAY, March 29, 2024
nationthailand

Free Covid-19 tests to be provided under social security scheme

Free Covid-19 tests to be provided under social security scheme

The Ministry of Labour will provide free Covid-19 tests to members of the social security scheme.

The initiative covers members under Sections 33, 39 and 40 of the Social Security Act.

Section 33 covers current employees, Section 39 covers former employees who wish to preserve their insured status by continuing to contribute to the fund, and Section 40 covers self-employed people.

“The programme will kick off on April 17 at Bangkok Youth Centre (Thai - Japan) in Bangkok’s Din Daeng district, whereas those insured under the social security scheme, who are in risky groups, can receive Covid-19 tests for free,” Labour Minister Suchart Chomklin said on Monday.

“We expect to provide testing to 300 people per hour, while the test results would be received within 24 to 48 hours.”

Suchart added that this programme was a joint initiative of the ministries of Labour and Interior to curb the spread of Covid-19 in Bangkok areas, especially among those who have just returned from a trip to their hometowns during the Songkran holidays.

“If anyone insured is found to be infected, they would be sent to hospitals under the social security scheme for free treatment. Currently there are 81 hospitals registered with the ministry, with total capacity of over 1,000 beds,” added Suchart.

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