New push to turn Phuket into medical tourism hub
PHUKET: Phuket Governor Nisit Jansomwong is ready to help local hospitals make a push into the medical tourism industry as millions of baht flow in for eye-care centers.
“More than 30 million baht has been approved for eye-care centers at public hospitals, specifically Vachira Phuket Hospital and Patong Hospital,” Governor Nisit said in an exclusive interview with the Phuket Gazette last week.
“Many tourists come to Phuket. If government hospitals here can provide services that meet tourists’ needs, it will be a very important move for promoting Phuket as a medical tourism destination.”
The eye-care center will be a great alternate choice for patients, explained Patong Hospital Director Sirichai Silpa-archa.
“Currently, we have an ophthalmologist from Vachira Phuket Hospital running a clinic here once or twice a week. However, we will soon have our own ophthalmologist,” said Dr Sirichai.
“Having this center will improve our services and make it convenient for patients who normally have to drive to Phuket Town for their eye care.”
— Chutharat Plerin
