Thailand’s hospitals well equipped to handle Coronavirus patients

Thailand was the first country outside of China to report novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) on 13 January 2020. As of February 19, the number of confirmed cases remains at 35 – 15 of whom have recovered and been discharged, while the other 20 remain in hospital.

Thai officials have stated that the Kingdom is one of the most prepared countries in Asia in the event of an epidemic. The country is ranked second strongest in the region for its healthcare system, a system capable of treating the sick and protecting healthcare workers. The Thailand Ministry of Foreign Affairs also pointed out that the country is well-prepared to handle the coronavirus infection as they did successfully with the MERS and SARS epidemics. Following the coronavirus outbreak, Thailand has become a model for other countries for its measures to keep the coronavirus concealed and providing outstanding healthcare, despite its hesitation to block the arrival of new Chinese tourists.

With more than 60 JCI accredited hospitals, Thailand is, indeed, ready to handle any emergency. Doctors and hospitals in the country are well-equipped to treat coronavirus patients. It is reported that Thai doctors have found a promising treatment for the virus. It is also worth pointing out, again, that 10 people in Thailand have recovered from the virus, the highest number of recoveries outside of China.

Bumrungrad International Hospital, the top hospital in Thailand according to MyMediTravel, reaffirm the trust of their visitors and patients by implementing the use of thermal imaging cameras at their entrance points. These thermal imaging cameras can quickly screen any individual for fever and are used for the safety of their patients, visitors, employees, as well as the wider community. Bumrungrad also ensures that their experts in managing the spread of infectious disease are able to help coronavirus patients.

Other prestigious hospitals, including Sikarin Hospital and Bangkok Hospital Bangkok, are armed with the latest medical technology as well as skilled experts to handle patients with coronavirus. Just like Bumrungrad International Hospital, these hospitals also installed body-temperature scanners at their entrance points. While people who have fevers in hospitals are very common, anyone whose temperature rises over 37.5 °C will be quarantined and tested for H1N1, influenza A & B, and RSV viruses. If the flu tests are negative, the patient will have a blood sample taken to be sent to the government science center to test for the coronavirus.

It is well worth noting that all hospitals across the country strictly follow the Ministry of Public Health’s protocols and they work hand in hand with Thailand DDC and other health organizations. The hospitals make sure that their surveillance standards and control measures are reviewed and updated constantly. With the knowledge and experience of their medical professionals in dealing and containing infectious diseases, Thailand’s hospitals implement the most meticulous safety measures possible and utilize the best medical equipment to help handle coronavirus patients. So stay strong Thailand!