Free 99-Bed Hostel Opens for Patients and Families at Vachira Phuket Hospital

A free 99-bed accommodation facility has opened in Phuket for patients of Vachira Phuket Hospital and their family members. Baan Phueng Wat is designed to help people who qualify for subsidised medical treatment but struggle to afford the additional costs associated with long-term care and recovery on the island.

The project was developed with support from Wat Khao Rang Samakkitham, a temple located near Vachira Phuket Hospital. The official opening ceremony for Baan Phueng Wat was held on August 12.

Vachira Phuket Hospital Deputy Director Raviphen Kingkaew explained that the facility is intended for patients who cannot afford hospital accommodation costing between 1,500 and 3,500 baht per night when such expenses are not covered by insurance. Baan Phueng Wat provides free accommodation for the period recommended by a doctor.

Each patient may also stay with up to two family members under the same referral. Those who need to remain beyond the period specified by the hospital can extend their stay for 500 baht per night. Guests are only required to bring their own bedding, towels and personal belongings.

Hospital Administrative Director Orasa Tosawang said some low-income patients technically have access to medical treatment but cannot afford the related expenses, including transportation, food and accommodation. As a result, some patients choose to postpone or abandon treatment because they do not want to put additional financial pressure on their families.

Baan Phueng Wat is intended to eliminate at least one of those financial burdens by providing patients and their relatives with a place to stay free of charge during treatment.

The project was made possible in large part through support from Phuket residents. Contributions included not only financial donations but also construction materials and equipment, ranging from bricks to solar panels.

Baan Phueng Wat is the latest social initiative associated with Vachira Phuket Hospital and reflects its efforts to make healthcare more accessible to people with limited incomes.

Another major project follows the same principle: a radiation therapy centre for cancer patients currently under construction near IKEA in Ratsada. Much of the funding for the specialised facility was raised through donations from Phuket residents and businesses. Construction began last year, and the hospital reported in August that the fourth stage of the project had been completed.

During the fourth phase, workers completed the reinforced-concrete roof of the room that will house a linear accelerator, or Linac, the main machine used for radiation therapy. The structure required 425 cubic metres of specially formulated low-heat concrete.

Vachira Phuket Hospital treats around 1,200 new cancer patients each year from Phuket, Phang Nga, Krabi, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat and Songkhla. The new cancer centre is expected to help make specialised radiation treatment more accessible to patients from across the region.