Slaying the healthcare zombie

Deep reform seen as only way to save crisis-stricken system, writes Apinya Wipatayotin

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When a photo of a dental unit at Tanao Sri Hospital — a remote community hospital in Ratchaburi province — using a frog-hunting head torch in place of a proper dental lamp went viral last month, it highlighted a grim reality: Thailand's public healthcare system is struggling.

The hospital, near the Thai-Myanmar border, had struggled for three years with a lack of proper devices as its request for new equipment was unanswered.

Only after social media outrage did the Ministry of Public Health urgently approve the budget.

Tanao Sri's story may have ended with a happy outcome, but many other state-run hospitals remain in crisis, experts say.

The Ministry of Public Health says revenue from healthcare service charges across the public hospital system has dropped dramatically, from 60 billion baht to 40.6 billion baht this fiscal year, a 9.5% fall.

At least four major hospitals nationwide are reported to be in severe financial crisis, requiring urgent financial aid to stay in operation.

A STAFF EXODUS, TOO

The problems extend beyond the finances, says Chutinart Chinudomporn, coordinator of the Thai Frontline Physician Union.

In the northeastern province of Bueng Kan, she said, 18 intern doctors recently submitted their resignations from Bueng Kan Hospital.