How To Avoid High Medication/ Pharmacy Costs?
I've been to a doctor at a private hospital and at a private clinic, and on both occasions my prescription was sent direct to the hospital/ clinic's pharmacy, so I didn't have the choice to get the prescription filled elsewhere. At the hospital I was so shocked by the price I just left without the medication, and at the clinic I paid up - ฿6000 - because I needed it and twigged that the low consult fee/ high pharmacy cost is likely standard practice.
So when I run out of this medication (restricted, can't buy over the counter, generic available), how can I get more without the high sticker price? I know government hospitals are cheaper, but I don't speak Thai and would strongly prefer to avoid general hassle if there's an alternative, lower friction option (or a private hospital or clinic known for reasonable pharmacy prices). I'm guessing too that asking the private clinic just for the prescription, or a generic, could be met with resistance as this seems to be a major revenue stream they'd want to protect.
I am not a resident/ don't have Thai health insurance.