Generosity in Healthcare Funding

A month apart from my last post about my own personal feeling and views. Had been a long long time since I travel on my own. Alone is very different from lonely after all. Though here physically alone, I know fluffy, cookie and family waiting for me back in SG. This also allows me great emotional support to be much more attune and curious of my new environment.

This is my 1st time in Thailand for work. For AFES (ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies) Conference 2009. Similar to SG, you will learn alot about the country by talking to the cab drivers. The driver who fetched me to Courtyard@Marriot left a deep impression.

I used to think that if we give healthcare so "freely" and "generously", patients will take advantage of the system. The driver showed me his "health card" that allows him to have all healthcare in just 30 Baht. He showed me that "card" with pride and was stroking it fondly, appreciatively. He spoke about how the previous politician believed in this scheme and fought for his countrymen. He shared earnestly that thai people "no money won't die". His health needs are met. He knows if he fall ill, getting healthcare shouldn't be a worry. He told me he drove cab for 20 years, 18 hours per day with 3 hours to sleep and he's very healthy.

Maybe.. people can be appreciative of right government policies.
Maybe right government policies can instill pride.
Maybe people can be touched, remember this kindness and thus return to the society...
Maybe... it's not about costs and returns.
Maybe....

One thing I'm sure though, I couldn't say that with the same pride for myself....