PUBLISHED: 17 Dec 2024 at 18:46
Srinagarind Hospital has called on the National Health Security Office (NHSO) to address the significant increase in cancer patients, reporting an astonishing 830% rise in those seeking treatment under the Cancer Treatment Anywhere (CA) program.
Hospital director Dr. Somsak Tiamkao stated that the facility is currently overwhelmed due to the massive influx of patients being referred through the NHSO’s CA program, resulting in stretched resources and manpower.
The surge in patients has raised critical challenges for the hospital, which also operates as a teaching facility for medical students.
With limited capacity to expand its medical staff or resources, the hospital’s ability to maintain high medical standards is under threat.
Dr. Somsak highlighted that previously, doctors could balance patient diagnostics with teaching and research activities. However, the current excessive workload has left medical professionals working well into the evening.
“We need to have an urgent discussion with the NHSO. The CA program requires clear guidelines and procedures from the NHSO. We do not refuse treatment; instead, we advocate for standardized cancer care across all hospitals,” he stated, emphasizing that all health facilities possess the necessary expertise.
“The NHSO needs to engage in constructive discussions to resolve these challenges before the situation escalates further,” he added.
