The auspicious ceremony, held at 9:09am at the construction site on Pracha Uthit Rd, was presided over by Phuket Governor Saransak Srikruanetra, joined by his wife Ms Ruedeewan, and a host of senior provincial officials, important community leaders, donors and representatives from the public and private sectors.
Distinguished guests included former Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat, Court of Appeal Region 8 President Permsak Saisithong, Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation (PPAO) President Rewat Areerob and local businessman Kanit Yongsakul, who donated more than five rai of land for the project.
Also present were Vachira Phuket Hospital Development Committee Chairman Pramookphisit Atchariyachai, former Phuket senator Thanyarat Atchariyachai, Vachira Hospital Director Dr Weerasak Lorthongkam and Nomklao Foundation President Somchai Jirayut.
The ceremony included a Buddhist blessing led by nine senior monks and the laying of the first pillar following ancient royal traditions, held in honour of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother.
Dr Weerasak explained that the ceremony marks a historic milestone for Phuket and neighbouring provinces, where more than 1,600 new cancer cases are recorded each year ‒ around half of which require radiation therapy.
“Until now, patients needing radiotherapy have had to travel to other provinces such as Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, or Songkhla – journeys of 200 to 400 kilometres,” he said. “This new facility will provide access to life-saving treatment much closer to home, reducing travel costs and improving quality of life.”
The project is a collaborative effort uniting all sectors, claimed an official report of the event.
However, the project became possible only through the Yongsakul family contributing the land for the site and local Phuket people and businesses raising more than B426 million in donations for construction.
The Ministry of Public Health itself is funding only the purchase of radiotherapy equipment.
Dr Weerasak confirmed that construction is already more than 70% through piling work, with over 400 foundation piles planned. The building is expected to be completed within two and a half years, with services scheduled to begin by the end of 2027.
When finished, the new Radiotherapy Building will make Vachira Phuket Hospital the first fully equipped government cancer treatment centre not just in Phuket, but anywhere along the Andaman coast, serving patients from Phuket, Phang Nga and Krabi.
“This project represents the power of unity among the people of Phuket,” Dr Weerasak said.
“It is a source of pride for everyone who has contributed to creating new treatment opportunities and giving new life to cancer patients in our region.”