title: Implementing the universal health coverage: which source of information is more reliable?
abstract: The implementation of universal health coverage needs accurate data on the distribution of health benefit coverage, particularly the uninsured. The national surveys and routine reports are two important sources of information ready for use. This study shows the validation of data from two sources. The data from national household surveys on the medical welfare, the health card and the social security schemes were validated with the routine report data of the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) and the Social Security Office (SSO) by provinces. There were considerable differences between these data sets. The national survey data gave a 1.5 times higher estimate than the report data of the MOPH and the SSO. Financial implications of using inaccurate data to implement the universal health coverage could be huge, depending on the capitation rate.
authors.affiliation: Khlongkhlung Hospital, Khlong Khlung District, Kamphaeng Phet, Thailand.
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Leesmidt
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Pannarunothai
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Chongsuvivatwong
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002204:Capitation Fee; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003625:Data Collection; D003906:Developing Countries / Q000191:economics; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008483:Medical Assistance; D008875:Middle Aged; D009313:National Health Programs / Q000191:economics*; D012946:Social Welfare; D013785:Thailand; D019472:Universal Health Insurance / Q000191:economics