Phuket to get 3 billion baht medical tourism hub

Plans are underway for a 3 billion baht medical hub on the island of Phuket, set over 140 rai near Mai Khao beach, just north of the airport. A report in Nation Thailand says the plan has been confirmed by the Director of Vachira Hospital, Dr. Chalermpong Sukontapol. He says that as a result of the downturn in tourism due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the island now needs to combine its strengths in both the tourism and medical sectors. He points out that the idea is not new, having been first mooted in 2017, by then governor, Noraphat Plodthong.

It’s understood the Public Health Ministry and the Tourism and Sports Ministry have joined forces to discuss the proposal before submitting it to Cabinet. It is expected to be funded by Finance Ministry loans aimed at helping the economy, and society as a whole, to recover from the devastation of the Covid pandemic.

The first phase of the project is expected to cost around 1.29 billion baht and will involve the construction of an international health plaza, a hospice for the terminally ill, a care home for the elderly, and a rehabilitation centre. Additional services, such as accommodation and tour services, as well as consular assistance, will also be made available.

Phase 2 is expected to cost around 1.67 billion baht and is set to begin in 2022. This phase will focus on pandemic prevention, but will also boast a cancer treatment centre, which will reportedly include radiotherapy services.

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SOURCE: Nation Thailand