The official public donations account was closed on Sept 30, Hospital Director Dr Chuchart Nitchawatana told The Phuket News.
Moving forward, he added that construction will proceed using funds already secured from local government agencies. However, he noted the available budget will only cover the building of the operating rooms ‒ not the medical equipment needed to outfit them.
“Funding support from Chalong Municipality, Rawai Municipality and the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation (PPAO) totals nearly B20 million, with a further B10 million from the hospital’s own funds,” Dr Chuchart explained.
“Together with public donations, we have enough to begin construction, but not enough to complete the project.”
The hospital’s full development plan requires B56.93 million to build and equip three new operating rooms, part of a major upgrade to expand its surgical capacity and improve emergency response.
Dr Chuchart said construction of the operating rooms ‒ estimated to cost about B26-27mn ‒ will take priority, while the hospital continues to seek public support for the remaining funds needed to purchase medical equipment.
To continue the fundraising effort, a new account titled ‘Donations for Medical Equipment and Hospital Operations Procurement’ has been opened for people wishing to contribute.
“Blueprints for the new operating rooms were completed on Aug 22, and procurement is expected to begin next month, taking around 40-50 days,” Dr Chuchart said.
“Construction is planned to start in December, or by January at the latest, though some delays are possible.”
He added that Chalong Hospital plans to hold fundraising events to help bridge the remaining funding gap.
Donations can be made directly to:
Account Name: Donations for Medical Equipment and Hospital Operations Procurement
Account Number: 679-9-30618-0
Bank: Krungthai Bank, Chalong Branch
For more information about the Chalong Hospital fundraising campaign, visit the hospital’s website, call 076-384342-3 (ext. 2702) or 088-2940994, available 24 hours a day, or email donate.chalonghospital@gmail.com