The Estimation of Alcohol-Related Healthcare Costs n Thailand: Evidence from Regional Data of Universal Health Coverage Benefciaries in 2011

Abstract

This paper is the first attempt to estimate the size of the healthcare costs accountable by alcohol consumption behavior among those under the Universal Health Coverage scheme across areas in Thailand in 2011. An estimation was completed for each administrative district classified by the National Health Security Office, the financing agency of the scheme. The healthcare costs are estimated both for outpatient and inpatient services. Using data from various sources and methodology generally employed in the cost of illness studies, it was found that the total healthcare cost burden on the Universal Health Coverage scheme for services obtained in-district could range between 2.2-2.8 billion Thai Baht (roughly $73-$92 million) in 2011. District-specific analysis suggests that the areas with the highest alcohol-related outpatient healthcare cost are those with many industrialized zones. Meanwhile, areas with various tourist attractions incur the highest drinking-related inpatient cost. Non-communicable diseases imposing high financial burden on this public health scheme include Hypertensive disease, AIDS, Haemorrhagic and other nonischaemic strokes, liver cancer, Oropharyngeal cancer, Alcoholic liver Cirrhosis, and Laryngeal cancer. The findings highlight the significantly large burden alcohol consumption imposes on Thailand.