My husband has to have an inguinal hernia operation sometime in the next six months but as he is an expat, retired, 87 years old (so his health insurance became unaffordable a few years back,  his doctor has recommended he try to have the surgery at a government hospital. Does anyone know if he can do this privately at a government hospital in Bangkok (not Siriraj Piyamaharajkarun, which I have been told is as expensive as Bumrumgrad) and, if so, the best hospital to contact and an idea of the room rates? We know a medical exam will be necessary to get a quote for the actual operation. Thank you.

If you're trying to save money use their public ward.

Advantages are, no requirement for a family member present 24/7.

Was in one (not Bangkok) last year, public ward was no problem, take a smartphone with internet and headphones for entertainment.

Commonly done op, procedure well-established. Most gov't hsps can do it and will accept your hubby as a patient. I had mine done at Queen Sirikit, Sattahip.   

 

No doubt recommendations will be posted soon. I see Police Hospital recommended on reddit:

 

https://www.policehospital.org/content/home.php

 

The best:

 

https://www.konkai.health/articles/best-government-hospitals-in-bangkok

THANKS, WILL CHECK THOSE OUT

1 hour ago, campbell said:

Does anyone know if he can do this privately at a government hospital in Bangkok (not Siriraj

There's been a few threads regarding hernia operations in Thailand. 

 

I read one member from Buriram had the operation, very inexpensive in a government hospital. 

 

Google search AN forums for the thread. 

 

1 hour ago, BritManToo said:

If you're trying to save money use their public ward.

Advantages are, no requirement for a family member present 24/7.

Was in one (not Bangkok) last year, public ward was no problem, take a smartphone with internet and headphones for entertainment.

Had my Gall Bladder out last year in public University Hospital in Phitsanulok, done by laparoscopy method.

2 nights in a room for four, meals were a bit dodgy. Bht 40,000 all in, no problems whatsoever.

Room rates are pretty irrelevant as not a significant part of the cost, and for a hernia repair he will likely only be there 1-2 nights. Rate will vary with room type, just avoid any sort of "VIP" suite.

 

The surgery itself will cost differently depending in whether laparoscopic or open procedure. Laraporascopic costs at least 20k baht more but is easier on the patient, quicker recovery. Given your husband's age, laparoscopic is much preferred.

 

Within government hospitals there are 2 channels" the regular public one (very slow, multiple trips, long waits, most interactions are with junior doctors/doctors in training) ) and the "after hours" clinic. The latter costs more but is still less than private hospital and well worth it.

 

I suggest you go through the "special clinics" at Chulalongkorn hospital. Get an appointment with a general surgeon who does laparascopic surgery. https://specialclinics.chulalongkornhospital.go.th/