LONGSTANDING STATE HOSPITAL FINANCIAL CRISIS In related news, ThaiPBS reported Tuesday that a long-running financial crisis of state hospitals has resulted in eighteen state hospitals that are now effectively bankrupt after having accumulated massive levels of debt ranging from 92 to 400 million baht million baht. The list of hospitals runs: King Rama III hospital, 354 million baht in debt; Saraburi hospital, 321 million baht; Uttradit hospital, 277 million baht; Sakhon Nakhon hospital, 225 million baht; Surat Thani hospital, 219 million baht; Khon Kaen hospital, 214 million baht; Chao Phraya Yommaraj hospital, 199 million baht; Hua Hin hospital, 194 million baht; Wachira Phuket hospital, 185 million baht; Phayao hospital, 164 million baht; Phichit hospital, 156 million baht; Songkhla hospital, 138 million baht; Hat Yai hospital, 133 million baht; Nakhon Ping hospital, 131 million baht; King Rama II hospital, 116 million baht; Phra Phuttabaat hospital, 115 million baht; Prachuab Khiri Khan hospital, 102 million baht and Sukhothai hospital, 92 million baht (Source: ThaiPBS & Facebook page of the Federation of Doctors of central and general hospitals). This is according to Krisada Sawaengdee, a senior researcher focusing on healthcare policy who also serves as vice president of Thailand Nursing and Midwifery Council. If Thailand follows the US healthcare system, the country will focus on producing more medical specialists. ENOUGH DOCTORS BEING PRODUCED NOWCommunity health volunteers work in remote areas where access to fundamental health services is almost impossible.

Source: Bangkok Post April 05, 2017 06:02 UTC