Healthcare was one of six issues on the agenda for the meeting, said an official report of the meeting.
The issue of healthcare “requires upgrading state hospitals, namely Vachira Phuket Hospital, to be ready to treat all diseases, especially cancer, which is currently found to have an increasing number of patients”, said the official report.
Public healthcare on the PM’s agenda during her visit to Phuket comes while the community is rallying to raise donations to fund a cancer clinic at Vachira Phuket Hospital, the main government hospital on the island.
As of this morning, fundraising efforts had amassed just over B170 million in donations from private individuals, including millions of baht donated by key business figures, prominent Phuket families and members, local businesses with smaller donations by members of the public.
Even popular Thai rock singer Artiwara Kongmalai, better known as ‘Toon Bodyslam’, will headline a charity concert at Saphan Hin Phuket in March to help raise the B290 million needed to build a cancer-treatment centre at Vachira Phuket Hospital.
Regardless, despite Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat announcing a major fundraising effort to be held early next month, and major support by local government agencies calling donations for from the public to build a government heathcare facility, no officials have given any explanation why the Ministry of Public Health is not providing any funds to advance health treatments at a government hospital in Phuket.
Of note, government officials are touring the donation-funded cancer clinic at Vachira Phuket Hospital as the the first government cancer-treatment centre in the six provinces along the Andaman coast, comprising: Phuket, Phang Nga, Krabi,Ranong, Trang and Satun.
However,, Bangkok Hospital Siriroj, on the bypass road, opened its B300mn cancer-treatment centre on Oct 1.
Meanwhile, at the PM’s meeting at Phuket airport morning, joined by Minister of Tourism and Sports Surawong Thienthong and Governor Sophon, among other leading officials, the PM also discussed:
Traffic Management: Addressing congestion through a comprehensive transportation system across land, water, and air, meeting international standards.
Water Management: Ensuring sufficient drinking water, water resources, and effective wastewater management.
Waste Management: Tackling increased waste volume amidst shrinking disposal facilities to preserve the province’s image.
Disaster Management: Developing sustainable solutions for flooding and landslides.
Tourist Safety: Enhancing safety infrastructure, including equipment and personnel coverage.
According to the official report of the meeting, Mr Surawong proposed transforming Phuket into a hub for major global events to attract high-quality tourism and investment, solidifying its status as a premium destination.
In February last year then-Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin pledged to bring superstar concerts to Thailand after learning why popular artists like American pop megastar Taylor Swift did not put Thailand on their world tour itinerary.
Mr Srettha, at the time also the finance minister, said he had been informed that the Singapore government financially supported Taylor Swift’s concerts, offering US$2-3 million per show in exchange for exclusivity in Southeast Asia.
“If I had known this, I would have brought the shows to Thailand,” he said. “Concerts can generate added value for the economy.”