It took much longer and cost much more than expected, but Pattaya Hospital is now fully open for business.
The government hospital – originally budgeted for 177 million baht but eventually costing more than 200 million baht to open – has been open for outpatient service and limited inpatient service since May 2013 with fewer than 30 beds. Another 30 percent of the 86 beds came online in November and all of the 86 beds are to be available this month, more than two years late.
Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome originally announced in June 2010 that full service at the Soi Buakaow facility would be available by the end of 2011.
Entrance to the new Pattaya City Hospital.
As a public facility, Pattaya Hospital offers free primary health services for people with state insurance and lowest prices for tourists, city officials promised. The 24-hour center has five medical departments in addition to the outpatient clinic open during daytime hours only.
The ground floor is used for patient registration, outpatients and the pharmacy. The second floor is utilized for operating theaters and the eye and dental clinics. The third floor houses the inpatients and the intensive-care unit.
The fourth floor of the hospital is reserved for VIPs with special patient rooms. Administration and conference rooms occupy the fifth floor.
A look inside Pattaya City Hospital.
The hospital’s construction expense was justified by claims about the demands of Pattaya’s booming tourist numbers, residential development and the need for a facility that provided essential medical services while being esthetically attractive to patients.
At first glance, the goal of providing service at affordable public hospital prices seems to have been met at the new hospital. And one cannot help but be impressed by its decor and well-informed staff.
