Thailand Aims To Be Medical Hub Of Asia

[Jai Dee]

Thailand aims to be Medical Hub of Asia

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) will organize the Proud Asia 2007 to boost the country's medical and spa services. The TAT aims for Thailand to be the Medical Hub of Asia.

Mr. Surapol Savetaserani, the TAT Deputy Governor, says the Proud Asia 2007 is an international conference and a trade exhibition for medical and spa services.

More than 1,280,000 people worldwide had medical treatments in Thailand, and they generated over 40 billion baht of revenues in 2005. The medical and spa businesses are expected to continually expand due to modern technology and cheaper expenses in comparison to other countriesd. In addition, tourists can enjoy eco-tourism and experience cultural heritages while shopping in numerous shopping centers in the country.

The TAT is cooperating with the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA), the Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons of Thailand, and the Thai Spa Association in organizing the Proud Asia 2007. It will be held between September 27th and 30th, 2007 at the Impact Convention Center.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 09 May 2007

[Prakanong]

ROFLMAO

Hub of too many spa's that are up for sale without buyers maybe!

As for medical hub - sorry that is laughable

There are good medical facilities in Thailand but as a hub - depends on what they mean by it I suppose

Over 1.25 million people had medical treatments out of say 12 million visitors - they had a massage so it counts?

[peace743]

I would argue that Thailand is a day late and quite a few I.Q. points short. Singapore has already established itself as the “Medical Hub of Asia” with some of the finest care available anywhere on the planet, with standards higher than either America or Europe and prices lower than in any Western clinic or Hospital. Thailand has rock-bottom (i.e., “third-world”) prices, but unless you are skint and just can’t afford better, why would you have any serious procedure done in Thailand? http://app.singaporemedicine.com/asp/new/new0201c.asp?id=5164 http://www.medicaltourism.ca/medicaltourismsingapore.html

[farangsay]

They couldn't attract enough "quality tourists" so they're bidding for the

"sick tourist" market to keep the numbers up.

[Mid]

at what stage will these guys get the message that it requires more than just talking about it to make it happen ????????????

hubs ,

edit spelling

Edited May 9, 2007 by Mid

[Prakanong]

To be fair its not just Thailand using the word "Hub"

Its in the singapore papers every day - then again they sometimes do something about it!

[chuchok]

I would argue that Thailand is a day late and quite a few I.Q. points short. Singapore has already established itself as the “Medical Hub of Asia” with some of the finest care available anywhere on the planet, with standards higher than either America or Europe and prices lower than in any Western clinic or Hospital. Thailand has rock-bottom (i.e., “third-world”) prices, but unless you are skint and just can’t afford better, why would you have any serious procedure done in Thailand?

I beg to differ.As of late,I have been quoted prices that are very close to private care in New Zealand.

I also know of one hospital in CM,that told a person ther had a broken arm,when infact she had nothing of the sort.This was done pure and simply to extract more $$$ out of the patient.When the good doctor was asked exactly where the break was,he could not answer.He then would not let the patient take the x-rays that already had been paid for,untill it was insisted!!

There are some very competent Doctors here,but there are also quite a few drop kicks as well.

[quiksilva]

LMFAO

You have to admire their nerve announcing this in the wake of their dispute with the big pharma boys. **shakes head**

I would imagine that it would be a tad tough to be a medical hub without their support!

[Tony Clifton]

Getting rid of old rusty rescue trucks, volunteer medical emergency services fighting over injured people and getting them out of car wrecks by pulling on their arms and twisting the shit out of their spines would be a good step to take before declaring the country a medical hub.

Edited May 9, 2007 by Tony Clifton

[Dakhar]

It is hard for me to respond to this. Because I have had excellent care, and horrid care.

The quality care was done a Thamasat (SP). I had a cholonoscopy done, around 2700 baht. The physician that did the work was a teacher at Tham. and he was around 37 years old, trained in Baylor College of Medicine in Houston Texas. (A fine medical school in the sates) His English was great, his bed side mannerisms were really good.

Then I have also met some doctors with absolute horrid english skills and competency levels to match. I have met para medical staff that have ZERO English skills.... imagine running diagnostic tests with machines that have manuals printed in English. Under these circumstances, one with zero english can't even begin to comprehend how to use the equipment. Realistically a physician should not rely on diagnostic results performed by a person that has no clue on how to use the equipment. Even further, how does one stay current in your profession if essentially all documents/publishings/research etc is in English, but the professional has not taken the time to enhance/practice their English skills?

So yea, try to be a hub, but without English.... fat chance.

English has given Singapore a huge advantage.

The reality is, China is also gearing up to become a hub, and China as of late, has walked the talk, unlike Thailand.

[astral]

Then I have also met some doctors with absolute horrid english skills and competency levels to match. I have met para medical staff that have ZERO English skills.... imagine running diagnostic tests with machines that have manuals printed in English. Under these circumstances, one with zero english can't even begin to comprehend how to use the equipment. Realistically a physician should not rely on diagnostic results performed by a person that has no clue on how to use the equipment. Even further, how does one stay current in your profession if essentially all documents/publishings/research etc is in English, but the professional has not taken the time to enhance/practice their English skills.

The guy may have a manual in Thai on how to work the machine,

but that is no good if he cannot ask you where it hurts and how much.

The best doctors in Thailand seem to have been trained overseas, but even that is no guarantee.

I saw a young doctor who wanted to tell me that he had just graduated from the US.

"Wonderful I thought, a newbie."

When a colleague checked the meds the Dr prescribed, two were the same...............

Didn't the doctor know?

Why didn't the pharmacist query the prescription?

Thailand has an awful long way to go in the medical field, before they can become a HUB for excellence.

[Dakhar]

The guy may have a manual in Thai on how to work the machine,

but that is no good if he cannot ask you where it hurts and how much

Trust me, they do not, or at least the equipment that I am familiar with.

Edited May 9, 2007 by Dakhar

[Steely Dan]

Then I have also met some doctors with absolute horrid english skills and competency levels to match. I have met para medical staff that have ZERO English skills.... imagine running diagnostic tests with machines that have manuals printed in English. Under these circumstances, one with zero english can't even begin to comprehend how to use the equipment. Realistically a physician should not rely on diagnostic results performed by a person that has no clue on how to use the equipment. Even further, how does one stay current in your profession if essentially all documents/publishings/research etc is in English, but the professional has not taken the time to enhance/practice their English skills.

The guy may have a manual in Thai on how to work the machine,

but that is no good if he cannot ask you where it hurts and how much.

The best doctors in Thailand seem to have been trained overseas, but even that is no guarantee.

I saw a young doctor who wanted to tell me that he had just graduated from the US.

"Wonderful I thought, a newbie."

When a colleague checked the meds the Dr prescribed, two were the same...............

Didn't the doctor know?

Why didn't the pharmacist query the prescription?

Thailand has an awful long way to go in the medical field, before they can become a HUB for excellence.

Maybe Thailand should stick to areas where they have considerable practical experience such as gender reallignment, breast enlargement and penile augmentation. I just love the sanitised expressions used by the medical industry.

[Pattayatony]

Thailand aims to be Medical Hub of Asia

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) will organize the Proud Asia 2007 to boost the country's medical and spa services. The TAT aims for Thailand to be the Medical Hub of Asia.

Mr. Surapol Savetaserani, the TAT Deputy Governor, says the Proud Asia 2007 is an international conference and a trade exhibition for medical and spa services.

More than 1,280,000 people worldwide had medical treatments in Thailand, and they generated over 40 billion baht of revenues in 2005. The medical and spa businesses are expected to continually expand due to modern technology and cheaper expenses in comparison to other countriesd. In addition, tourists can enjoy eco-tourism and experience cultural heritages while shopping in numerous shopping centers in the country.

The TAT is cooperating with the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA), the Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons of Thailand, and the Thai Spa Association in organizing the Proud Asia 2007. It will be held between September 27th and 30th, 2007 at the Impact Convention Center.

:D :D

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 09 May 2007

This bit gets me "In addition, tourists can enjoy eco-tourism and experience cultural heritages while shopping in numerous shopping centers in the country."

Just dont forget to bring your Flack jackets?????

Its all about MONEY.

[Dakhar]

I like the hybrid goat hub idea better. It is more realistic.

[h90]

I would argue that Thailand is a day late and quite a few I.Q. points short. Singapore has already established itself as the “Medical Hub of Asia” with some of the finest care available anywhere on the planet, with standards higher than either America or Europe and prices lower than in any Western clinic or Hospital. Thailand has rock-bottom (i.e., “third-world”) prices, but unless you are skint and just can’t afford better, why would you have any serious procedure done in Thailand? http://app.singaporemedicine.com/asp/new/new0201c.asp?id=5164 http://www.medicaltourism.ca/medicaltourismsingapore.html

Not to forget India...

[a2396]

It is hard for me to respond to this. Because I have had excellent care, and horrid care.

The quality care was done a Thamasat (SP). I had a cholonoscopy done, around 2700 baht. The physician that did the work was a teacher at Tham. and he was around 37 years old, trained in Baylor College of Medicine in Houston Texas. (A fine medical school in the sates) His English was great, his bed side mannerisms were really good.

Then I have also met some doctors with absolute horrid english skills and competency levels to match. I have met para medical staff that have ZERO English skills.... imagine running diagnostic tests with machines that have manuals printed in English. Under these circumstances, one with zero english can't even begin to comprehend how to use the equipment. Realistically a physician should not rely on diagnostic results performed by a person that has no clue on how to use the equipment. Even further, how does one stay current in your profession if essentially all documents/publishings/research etc is in English, but the professional has not taken the time to enhance/practice their English skills?

So yea, try to be a hub, but without English.... fat chance.

English has given Singapore a huge advantage.

The reality is, China is also gearing up to become a hub, and China as of late, has walked the talk, unlike Thailand.

I agree with some of our comments, particularly regarding the poor level of English and disinterest with learning it in many circumstances. The country needs a considerable attitude adjustment in the educational system here with regard to this. However, I have had excellent medical care here so far. In many ways superior to what I would have recieved back home (USA) at a fraction of the cost. Fortunately, I have not had to have any sophisticated proceedures done, but average health care and the quick access to it is above USA.

[Prakanong]

I think (and hope) the younger generation in Thailand of Dr's etc is more interested in gaining wider knowledge than their elders - generally speaking of course as there are some very good elder statesmen in the medical field in Thailand too.

However - before becoming a medical hub they need to sort out their own house first.

[ChiangMaiAmerican]

Actually medical care is one of Thailand's potential strong suites. I have toured a number of facilites here and many of those in major cities appear to be on par with those in the US. The provincial hospitals are less modern but are adequate for stabilizing a patient and transporting them to a larger, better equipped facility.

You would be surprised to learn that many of those Thais who don't or won't speak English publicly can read and intelligently discuss in Thai, medical journals they read in English. For those that don't know, the system here was built on the US model. The King's father, Prince Mahidol, was a honors graduate of Harvard Medical School. He was also inducted into Alpha Omega Alpha the medical honor society. His mother attended nursing school at Simpson College in Boston. The King's father convinced the Rockefeller Foundation to fund the establishment of a modern healthcare education system. He and another member of the Royal Family paid for a US medical education for several Thais who later became instructors. India though they are making a big push for medical tourists lacks sufficient infrastructure to safely care for the patients and their families. A few of the hospitals are world class but outside the front door awaits a sanitation nightmare. Despite this India has convinced at least one US corporation to offer their employees the option of treatment at an Indian hospital though India is far behind in attracting medical tourists. Recently in Thailand Bumrungrad made a deal with Blue Cross of South Carolina if my memory severes me correctly.

Singapore has some excellent facilites and one of the World's best liver transplant specialists. But Singapore's prices, while some savings over US prices, are substantially more than Thailand's. The biggest problem for Thailand gaining acceptance is the resistance of the local hosptial owners to seek JCAHO International Accreditaion. Bumrungrad is the only facility here with JCAHO Accreditation. Others mistakently believe that ISO will work. ISO costs less but in the largest potential market for Thai healthcare, the US, it is not an accepted standard. If the hospital owners here get off their wallets and spend the thirty or so thousand dollars it takes to apply for JCAHO Accreditation it would go a long way toward further enhancing Thailand's medical tourism market. Thailand's prices are low enough and the care available is of high enough quality that medical tourism could be greatly expanded. Forty percent of Americans have no health insurance. The poor in America have government health care so these are middle class families. With the cost of care in the US a medically necessary surgical procedure could bankrupt a family. The prices in Singapore would still bankrupt the family. These people have some savings and usually have substantial equity in a home. With the new and improved US bankruptcy laws a serious illness could cause them to lose everything. The debt not settled by the liquidatuion of their assets would still be collectable against their earnings when they return to work. Given that prospect, Thailand's health system offers a viable alternative.

Edited May 9, 2007 by ChiangMaiAmerican

[richard10365]

I would argue that Thailand is a day late and quite a few I.Q. points short. Singapore has already established itself as the “Medical Hub of Asia” with some of the finest care available anywhere on the planet, with standards higher than either America or Europe and prices lower than in any Western clinic or Hospital. Thailand has rock-bottom (i.e., “third-world”) prices, but unless you are skint and just can’t afford better, why would you have any serious procedure done in Thailand?

I beg to differ.As of late,I have been quoted prices that are very close to private care in New Zealand.

I also know of one hospital in CM,that told a person ther had a broken arm,when infact she had nothing of the sort.This was done pure and simply to extract more $$$ out of the patient.When the good doctor was asked exactly where the break was,he could not answer.He then would not let the patient take the x-rays that already had been paid for,untill it was insisted!!

There are some very competent Doctors here,but there are also quite a few drop kicks as well.

I would bet money that the hospital in question was Chiang Mai Ram.

[HomeSeekAsia]

To add my grain of salt, `on par with the US' is NOT something desirable imo, compared to healthcare in most of Europe !

My spouse and I both had to go to the doc in Thailand for minor problems:

we can't complain about the price... but the standard of care was APPALLING compared to Malaysia

and even Indonesia...

Of course, this could be bad luck... but heard numerous similar stories: ER botched a relative's anckle,

cause the intern plastered it BEFORE taking X-rays,

a couple of days later, the anckle didn't feel right, so she returned for a consult.

But the doc could not determine if there was a recent fracture or an old one... kept

insisting she had broken her anckle before which she had not...

Plus before becoming an international Medical Hub, it'd be nice if Thai people

could afford decent health care / insurance ...

In Indonesia, we got treated for the very same illnesses

(resp. an ear infection, and a severe Turista: now a ritual when we travel)

in a small clinic, with only a nurse on duty & a policeman who helped translate,

and we got better treatment + didn't get charged one rupee more than the locals.

(Of course that was very cheap for us, but very expensive for some locals and it was not brain surgery!)

The best though was in Malaysia: I was treated at a village dispensary, by a female doctor.

I first had to show my US passport, and one dollar for ``administrative fees".

After beeing examined by the doc, and handed out antibiotics.

I assumed I had to pay afterwards for the consult&meds, but there was no obvious way to do so, so I just hung around to ask... The doc was already busy with the next patient, but saw me puzzled after a while, so I asked ``how much do I owe you?" and she proudly replied:

``Malaysia is a progressive country: medical treatment is free !"

Don't know if the 1$ fee is only for tourists,after all we don't pay taxes there so it is fair to be charged something !

Anyhow I walked out staring at my passport which grants me citizenship of the richest country on earth... with the WORST healthcare

among all developped countries (cf rates for Life Expectancy, Infant mortality, teenage pregnancy, strain resistant TB, #of uninsured, of untreated diabetics etc.). I felt shame !

My spouse had a slightly different experience in Malaysia: because of a public holiday and remote location, we visited a ``private resort doc", and payed 20$. Again we cannot complain, esp since the doc was called in on his day off, and we weren't even staying at that resort!

Bottom line: yes, you can train very high skilled specialist that a tiny minority can possibly afford but (a) Charity begins at home and imho ( Too much speciality leads to missing the big picture, and to Non-integrative approaches where you are a stomach, a root canal, an appendix rather than a person, so a high level of specialists does not imply better treatment anyway, because e.g. a stomach problem can take years of consults before it's determined that its really bad teeth preventing normal chewing etc. See the #of specialist consults or cost/1000inhabitants in the US vs Greece and other medit. countries... yet Greece has a higher life expectancy...

That said, I'm VERY happy to finally be able to afford going to the dentist in Thailand, which was financially impossible in the US.

And any money invested in healthcare improvment tends to be worth it, and generally benefits the country at least to some extent.

So if a buzz word such as `hub' helps. so be it !

Getting rid of old rusty rescue trucks, volunteer medical emergency services fighting over injured people and getting them out of car wrecks by pulling on their arms and twisting the shit out of their spines would be a good step to take before declaring the country a medical hub.

[ChiangMaiAmerican]

`on par with the US' is NOT something desirable imo, compared to healthcare in most of Europe !

Kind of odd. If healthcare in Europe is so good why do so many wealthy people travel to the US for treatment? Last time I was at Mayo Clinic the waiting room was full of foreigners. The primary advantage in Europe is universal coverage which leads to longer life expectancy since preventative care tends to be better. And BTW, my uncle lived in France most of his life. One of the doctors there continued to treat symptoms without testing to positively determine the origin. He almost went into liver failure. The medication was exacerbating the symptoms. He traveled abroad and another physician discovered the French doctor's malpractice. In the UK MRSA flourishes in the government hospitalssuch that those who can afford travel abroad. MRSA can be found worldwide but in the UK it is a disaster. If you have insurance and/or money US healthcare is generally excellent. Its the 40% of Americans with no insurance that are in trouble and for that you can thank people like the now disgraced Richard Scott, the insurance industry and most of all the Republican party.

Edited May 10, 2007 by ChiangMaiAmerican

[Prakanong]

`on par with the US' is NOT something desirable imo, compared to healthcare in most of Europe !

Kind of odd. If healthcare in Europe is so good why do so many wealthy people travel to the US for treatment? Last time I was at Mayo Clinic the waiting room was full of foreigners. The primary advantage in Europe is universal coverage which leads to longer life expectancy since preventative care tends to be better. And BTW, my uncle lived in France most of his life. One of the doctors there continued to treat symptoms without testing to positively determine the origin. He almost went into liver failure. The medication was exacerbating the symptoms. He traveled abroad and another physician discovered the French doctor's malpractice. In the UK MRSA flourishes in the government hospitalssuch that those who can afford travel abroad. MRSA can be found worldwide but in the UK it is a disaster. If you have insurance and/or money US healthcare is generally excellent. Its the 40% of Americans with no insurance that are in trouble and for that you can thank people like the now disgraced Richard Scott, the insurance industry and most of all the Republican party.

Calliong MRSA in the UK a disaster is pure hyperbole and you know it.

Yes the very finest healthcare facilities in the world currently are in the USA (in general) just as the best universitiies are (in general) - exceptions to both of course.

The fact is though these finest facilities are out of the reach of most (including how many million Americans)

Its a political and personal choice regarding which type of healthcare system you regard as best. Tim Harford in "The Undercover Economist" goes for the Singapore mixed system and i am very happy currently being treated in that system now with the cover my job provides here.

Having worked in the NHS in a previous life and having been treated in Belgium I would cetainly go for the european model next as being best for society - a sick society or a working age society paying inordinate amounts for healthcare is not generally good.

Yes the very rich will travel to the USa and it will continue to thrive - I just feel a bit sorry for the citizens of that country who can not participate.

We could also go onto outcomes and cost as well but I will leave you with a thought - the cost you pay towards the Dr's receptionist per visit in the USA is more than you would pay to see the Dr in the UK if direct costs were worked out

There is something rotten at the core of the USA health system and its going to bite you some time - you are bot getting value for money nore the level of care for the whole of society you deserve.

Best in world - depends how you define it

[ChiangMaiAmerican]

There is something rotten at the core of the USA health system and its going to bite you some time - you are bot getting value for money nore the level of care for the whole of society you deserve.

Best in world - depends how you define it

Though not expressly said, my sentiments exactly. The US could have long ago worked out the healthcare system problems. Instead the insurance industry and some for profit hospital groups blocked meaningful reform in the name of increased profit. Richard Scott of Columbia/HCA fame did much to damage the system in the US. An attorney, he decided and his bean counters knew more about healthcare than the doctors and nurses who actually practiced. The result, the cost cutting competition he agressively pursued led to patient deaths, large numbers of nurses leaving the profession not to return and physicians being told not to discuss certain treatment options with their patients. If you are not familar with Dr. Linda Peeno, look her up on Google. She blew the lid on what the managed care industry in the US is all about. I haven't seen a more recent study but as I recall in the 1990s, the insurance company overhead used up about a third of every patient care dollar in the US.

As to the UK, I have a cousin who is legal resident of there. He has been dealing with an ulcer on his leg for over a year. From his description it is most likely a venous stasis ulcer. The treatment in the UK for this is, at least the physician who is treating him, is way behind what is available in the US. Excessive cost cutting under the NHS? I don't know but he is traveling to the US for treatment this month.

As to the MRSA problem in the UK being mere hyperbole, from a BBC report,

"Experts are divided over why MRSA has become so widespread in UK hospitals, in comparison with the rest of Europe (see section five). "Complacency, poor prescribing practice and misuse of antibiotics has led to the emergence of drug resistant infections", according to a report in 2000 http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/c...c/306/30603.htm by the UK Parliament. Fewer empty beds and high throughputs of patients prevent MRSA and other hospital-acquired infections being tackled effectively, according to the latest report by the National Audit Office."

and

"But, according to the National Audit Office report, there are wider factors in the UK which make it difficult to take necessary steps to prevent and control hospital infections. For example, government targets have led to higher bed occupancy, while staff shortages and the increased use of unqualified staff have compromised strict hygeine practices. In addition, there is the increasing problem of bacteria strains resistant to antibiotics."

full article here:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/actionnetwork/A2836550

Edited May 10, 2007 by ChiangMaiAmerican

[WaiWai]

Thailand's the HUB hub !

Hubba hubba !

[Dakhar]

As a person that has worked in the health care industry in both Thailand and America. I would say the level of coruption in both systmems is a disgrace. Care, is not the primary concern, money is. It strikes me as though that is actually more the case in the US. I mean lets examine the Thai physician that works at a hospital until 3:00 and then scurries over to his private clinic and works with his family until 8:30 every night, every day.

That is dedication, and I doubt the extra money is worth that much extra time in. I mean, I would maybe do the clinic thing, 3-4 days a week!

The US, the patient is used as a pawn for money. For example, slpitting up days for diagnostic testing, and diagnostic EXPLANATION.

DAY 1) See a doctor

Oh you need a blood test (at my lab)

Day 2) Appointment for lab

Day 3) Discuss results with MD

The deal is, the MD gets more money by devideing up the visits, even if it could have been done all in one day, it is not in order to make more money. Welcome to reality, and there are TONS more of examples MD's pull to squeze out more money. They pay staff just to do that, discover "gray" legal ways to earn more money, and they do.

I hope Michael MOORE RAPES the health care industry this summer.... "SICKO" a documentary on the US health care system!!!!

[Prakanong]

There is something rotten at the core of the USA health system and its going to bite you some time - you are bot getting value for money nore the level of care for the whole of society you deserve.

Best in world - depends how you define it

Though not expressly said, my sentiments exactly. The US could have long ago worked out the healthcare system problems. Instead the insurance industry and some for profit hospital groups blocked meaningful reform in the name of increased profit. Richard Scott of Columbia/HCA fame did much to damage the system in the US. An attorney, he decided and his bean counters knew more about healthcare than the doctors and nurses who actually practiced. The result, the cost cutting competition he agressively pursued led to patient deaths, large numbers of nurses leaving the profession not to return and physicians being told not to discuss certain treatment options with their patients. If you are not familar with Dr. Linda Peeno, look her up on Google. She blew the lid on what the managed care industry in the US is all about. I haven't seen a more recent study but as I recall in the 1990s, the insurance company overhead used up about a third of every patient care dollar in the US.

As to the UK, I have a cousin who is legal resident of there. He has been dealing with an ulcer on his leg for over a year. From his description it is most likely a venous stasis ulcer. The treatment in the UK for this is, at least the physician who is treating him, is way behind what is available in the US. Excessive cost cutting under the NHS? I don't know but he is traveling to the US for treatment this month.

As to the MRSA problem in the UK being mere hyperbole, from a BBC report,

"Experts are divided over why MRSA has become so widespread in UK hospitals, in comparison with the rest of Europe (see section five). "Complacency, poor prescribing practice and misuse of antibiotics has led to the emergence of drug resistant infections", according to a report in 2000 http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/c...c/306/30603.htm by the UK Parliament. Fewer empty beds and high throughputs of patients prevent MRSA and other hospital-acquired infections being tackled effectively, according to the latest report by the National Audit Office."

and

"But, according to the National Audit Office report, there are wider factors in the UK which make it difficult to take necessary steps to prevent and control hospital infections. For example, government targets have led to higher bed occupancy, while staff shortages and the increased use of unqualified staff have compromised strict hygeine practices. In addition, there is the increasing problem of bacteria strains resistant to antibiotics."

full article here:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/actionnetwork/A2836550

There is no doubt MRSA is a "problem" in the UK but a "Disaster"??? The tsunami in SE Asia was a disaster but MRSA? Depends how you define it I suppose.

As for comparitive healthcare systems I find the different models very interesting as an amateur - I do work in the pharma industry and have worked in the NHS but still look at the healthcare systems out of interest. There is one book at work somewhere regarding the USA system with a number of academic studies into various aspect which i look at sometimes but just do not have the time to read as thouroughly as i would like to.

As I pointed out though for someone like your brother with the means to go to the USA for treatment the USA will be the best system in the world.

[ChiangMaiAmerican]

As a person that has worked in the health care industry in both Thailand and America. I would say the level of coruption in both systmems is a disgrace. Care, is not the primary concern, money is. It strikes me as though that is actually more the case in the US. I mean lets examine the Thai physician that works at a hospital until 3:00 and then scurries over to his private clinic and works with his family until 8:30 every night, every day.

That is dedication, and I doubt the extra money is worth that much extra time in. I mean, I would maybe do the clinic thing, 3-4 days a week!

The US, the patient is used as a pawn for money. For example, slpitting up days for diagnostic testing, and diagnostic EXPLANATION.

DAY 1) See a doctor

Oh you need a blood test (at my lab)

Day 2) Appointment for lab

Day 3) Discuss results with MD

The deal is, the MD gets more money by devideing up the visits, even if it could have been done all in one day, it is not in order to make more money. Welcome to reality, and there are TONS more of examples MD's pull to squeze out more money. They pay staff just to do that, discover "gray" legal ways to earn more money, and they do.

I hope Michael MOORE RAPES the health care industry this summer.... "SICKO" a documentary on the US health care system!!!!

Don't know when you last practiced in the US but the Stark Law, enacted in the late 1980s put an end to most of what you describe. It is illegal for a physician to self refer to a lab he where he has an ownership interest. The law applies to medicare and medicaid patients. I can tell you for certain that HMOs, the other insurer in the US, won't pay physcians any more than they have to. The lab must be approved for their network otherwise no pay. I have know several physicians who lost their practice when they refused to follow HMO guidelines they felt were not in their patient's best interest.

As I said earlier, look up Linda Peeno. I spoke to her several times before she became famous. She is a remarkable woman who had the fortitude and integrity to say she was wrong and to stand up to the excesses of the HMO industry. For those who don't know, Dr. Peeno was a calims examiner for a major US insurer. She continued to deny coverage for a patient who ultimately died. For that she received a bonus. Her guilt over the patient's death led her to begin a now decade old fight against the managed care industry in the US. She is now a professor of medical ethics at a US medical school. In the early 2000s they made a movie about her called, "Damaged Care". I have never seen it and I doubt it can be found here in Thailand. From what I understand the movie was a fairly accurate portrayal of Dr. Peeno and her fight to restore patient centered care.

Edited May 10, 2007 by ChiangMaiAmerican

[Dakhar]

Read the Stark Laws, they are pretty much useless. "Safe Harbor" rules within Stark laws pretty much rips the guts right out of the Stark Laws. For example, I know of some physicians that own "day sugery" clinics. Stark laws say that is OK as long as they have an office within the building. The Stark laws do not specify size, of the office. So the docs get a phone number and a mail box.... Presto, instant office....

The Stark laws were a good idea in theory, but they have not done anything to curb greedy corupt physicians. The worst mix are lawyers and accountants hired by physicians. That crew will pour over rules and regs, and bend them so they can ultimately bend over the patient.

Only certain labs were on the Stark law hit list, and even then there are loop holes in that system. ENTs for example can have an Allergy department, and have medical assistants run allergy tests all day long. They also order unecessary hearing tests to get extra money. Scam after scam they pull for an extra buck.

[astral]

We seem to be getting of the point of Thailand as a medical hub with too many critiques about the USA and UK.

Personally I would rather trust the hospitals down the road in Malaysia,

where doctors, surgeons and nurses all speak good English.

They can also handle more complicated procedures like heart bypass. Cost, around $7000.

A good friend of mine had this done 6 months ago and is now as fit as fiddle.