Social Security Pays 400,000 Baht in Medical Death Case
Social Security approved 400,000 baht compensation to the heirs of a 31-year-old man who died after treatment at a Ratchaburi hospital, with investigators to examine whether the facility violated medical standards.
On July 21, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nakorin Pinpathumrat, director of the Medical Services System Administration at the Social Security Office and deputy spokesman, revealed that following the death of 31-year-old Panupong Meesuk after receiving treatment at an authorized medical facility in Ratchaburi Province, a subcommittee meeting on July 20 thoroughly reviewed all relevant documents and medical opinions. The committee determined the case met the criteria for emergency assistance payment under Section 4 of the Medical Committee Announcement under the Social Security Act regarding assistance rates for insured persons harmed by medical services (Edition 2, B.E. 2567) and Section 5(1) of the Medical Committee Announcement dated January 17, 2018, classifying it as a fatal injury claim. The committee approved payment of 400,000 baht to the deceased's heirs. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nakorin stated that the Social Security Office will refer the case to the Medical Service Quality Standards Oversight and Inspection Subcommittee to investigate the facts and take appropriate action. If the hospital is found deficient or in violation of established standards and conditions, legal action and contract enforcement will be pursued strictly. The Social Security Office has coordinated with the heirs, provided guidance on filing benefit claims, and is expediting the investigation, assessment, and benefit disbursement process. The office reaffirms its commitment to handling the case transparently, efficiently, carefully, and fairly while protecting the rights of the insured and heirs, and will closely monitor the contracted hospital's service quality standards to maintain public confidence in the Social Security system and medical care protection.
