
The “Cancer Anywhere” policy is an important example of healthcare system improvement in Thailand. Its main goal is to help cancer patients with the Universal Coverage Scheme (UCS) get quick, complete, and free treatment. Patients can receive treatment in hospitals across provinces with the necessary capabilities without needing a referral. Technology like the Cancer Anywhere application and the TCB Plus system is used to manage patient information and make transfers easier. Additionally, The One program is used to book specific medical equipment, such as radiotherapy machines or MRI scans.
However, while the policy has good intentions, its implementation still faces many challenges. These can be analyzed using the WHO Framework: The Six Building Blocks:
1. Service Delivery
Services still face long waiting times, especially at large hospitals like medical schools, as patients trust their quality of care. Hospitals in rural areas often lack equipment and specialized doctors. Better distribution of patients and upgrading community hospitals can help reduce overcrowding.
2. Health Workforce
Specialized medical staff, such as oncologists and radiologists, are limited and mostly concentrated in urban areas. Current staff also face heavy workloads, which may affect care quality. Training staff at community hospitals to provide basic cancer care is essential.
3. Health Information Systems
While the Cancer Anywhere application is helpful, data sharing between hospitals is not yet complete. This causes delays, and patients still rely on referral documents. A fully integrated digital health system across the country is crucial.
4. Access to Essential Medicines
Budgets for cancer drugs and related treatment costs are insufficient, forcing some hospitals to cover expenses themselves. Centralized purchasing can help reduce costs and improve fairness in drug access.
5. Financing
Although patients do not have to pay, the complex reimbursement system and insufficient budgets cause financial problems for many hospitals. Improving clarity and efficiency in payment systems is necessary.
6. Leadership and Governance
Frequent changes in treatment and reimbursement policies create confusion among patients and healthcare workers. Proactive communication and establishing a national management committee could help reduce problems and improve project oversight.
In conclusion
The “Cancer Anywhere” policy is a positive effort to improve cancer care in Thailand. However, its success depends on solving key issues, such as distributing patients more evenly, increasing staff and equipment, improving data systems, and allocating sufficient budgets. If these challenges are addressed, Thailand’s healthcare system can advance and better meet the needs of its people.
References:
– https://thaicancersociety.com/rights-to-health-care/cancer-anywhere/
– https://www.hfocus.org/content/2025/01/32695