NHSO cares for newborns to offer benefits Screening to prevent mental retardation
Today (2 May 2022) Dr. Jadet Thammathatchaaree The secretary-general of the National Health Security Office (NHSO) said congenital hypothyroidism and phenylalanine depletion of the amino acid-degrading enzyme, known as PKU, or F. Onyxtonuria (Phenylketonuria) in a newborn It can cause aphasia and subsequent mental retardation. under the National Health Security Fund The list of health promotion and disease prevention benefits, therefore, requires screening services for congenital thyroid hormone deficiency and PKU for all newborn Thai children. In which the service will draw blood for newborns aged 48 hours or 2 days at the heel area. Or the back of the hand put blotting paper and delivered to the laboratory service unit for examination. If the screening results are abnormal, the screening service will promptly notify the child to the blood collection service for further care.
The secretary-general of the NHSO said: In order for children with abnormal screening results to receive more comprehensive services, in fiscal year 2022, NHSO has encouraged specific expenses for examination and follow-up to confirm abnormal cases. In the case of children with abnormal congenital hypothyroidism screening results will be followed up and confirmed for hypothyroidism and receive thyroxine (Thyroxine) within 14 days of age and in the case of children with abnormal PKU screening results will be followed up and referred to the Rare Disease Care Service system within 14 days
Dr. Jadet said For the service criteria, all newborns born at term and birth weight from 2,500 grams will be screened 1 time. with a gestational age of less than 37 weeks, or a full-term baby with a birth weight of less than 2,500 grams, or twin babies or sick babies with all rights They will be screened for hypothyroidism twice, one at birth and another test at approximately 2-3 weeks of age. and that PKU The Sub-Committee on Criteria for Fund Operations and Management has determined that it is 1 of 9 items. Health promotion and disease prevention services that can be disbursed according to the specified service items or Fee schedule, by stipulating the rate of service for screening for hormone deficiencies. Congenital thyroid and PKU disease 135 baht/time and service fees for examination and confirmation follow-up for hypothyroidism disorders 350 baht/case in order for newborns to access more services.
“Thai children are the future of the country. NHSO therefore attaches great importance to the health care of all Thai children. especially in the field of health promotion and disease prevention for good health and development. by congenital hypothyroidism and PKU. It is a disease that requires prompt screening services. leading to timely prevention and treatment to prevent children from developing mental retardation and mental retardation,” said Dr. Jadet.