Workers happy with SSS health system, union says

She said workers, mostly at factories, who are members of SSS and the Thai Labour Solidarity Organisation, made comments about the SSS system and were still happy with the services they got. They felt health care coverage under the scheme cost less than universal health scheme.

They said they could access services under the SSS at health-care units near their workplaces and accommodation.

They also said they still don't trust the medical service under the universal healthcare scheme as it had a lot of problems, such as the financial crisis, which has left many hospitals in debt.

A group of Social Security Fund members led by rights activist Pairoj Polpetch has urged the government to amend the Social Security Act of 1990 to give them the option of paying to receive medical services under the scheme or enjoying free medical welfare under the universal healthcare scheme.

The club was formed to campaign among formal workers who are SSF members to try to convince the government to allow them to stop paying for medical services under the scheme.

Wilaiwan said the government must improve medical services provided via the universal healthcare scheme if it wants SSS beneficiaries to enjoy free medical service under the scheme.

"I agree in principle with the Social Security Fund members, that we should have the same quality and privileges of medical service, but we (the Thai Labour Solidarity Committee) need more study to make sure workers are still able to access medical services near their workplace and accommodation."

She said the proposal was not urgent for the labour movement and would not be part of a list of requests on a petition that will be submitted to the government on May 1 (Labour Day).

The Thai Labour Solidarity Committee has asked the government and House of Representatives to revise the 1990 Social Security Act and set up an independent organisation under a new law to monitor and improve administration of the Social Security Office, including welfare benefits and medical services.

The social security scheme covers about 9.4 million people, mostly company workers. These employees and their employers have to pay monthly instalments into the SSF, while the government also makes a contribution. Of their contribution, 1 per cent goes to support the per head budget for hospitals registered with the Social Security Office and promised to provide medical treatment to its members.