Overbrook Hospital Tells Us:

[Limbo]

It is a little bit more than hundred years ago that in the American town Overbrook money was collected to build a hospital for the 'heathens' of Chiang Rai (1903).

The Presbytarian Dr. Briggs, having the confidence of King Rama V, became its director.

And not only this, he became the highest official of Chiang Rai, built the Sala Klang Kao, Presbyterian churches and had roads made in this town.

Without Dr. Briggs Chiang Rai would not have looked as it does to-day.

(Anybode, Joel, knows if the CWK school originates from the same group?)

But back to the Overbrook Hospital in present days.

Rumors say that the enormeous investments which have been made during the last decade are related to Canadian interests.

It is very nice to notice that the people in charge of the hospital had the awareness not to offer the old hospital building to 'progress' as turbo-capitalism is called. It is not only still there, it is restored as well. It is, with the Sala Klang Kao, one of the few architectonial monuments in Chiang Rai.

Our compliments (and certainly great gratitude of future generations) to the Director and management of Overbrook Hospital.

The slogan 'God is Love' you still find on the little bags holding the not particular cheap medicin the doctors of the Overbrook describe you. Before it was written in big letters in the entrance and even your bills would remember you of this glorious fact.

My question now is, according to your experiences, did the Lord provide the Overbrook Hospital with better doctors, equipment and care than for instance the Kasemrad Sriburin Hospital? Or the Governmental Regional Hospital?

Or is the excellent image the hospital holds in the eyes of many Chiang Rai citizens based on the fact that it has the longest history and that the unsurpassable Dr. Ploum is at the helm of it?

Which hospital do you prefer and (if possible) why?

Limbo

[mumbojumbo]

limbo,

All the doc's in town hit all the hospitals. For time, i prefer Over and Sari, but in most cases, and not too serious, you can tell the drug store by the Night Bazaar your symptons, and they will give you some drugs that will fix you. If you can wait, it is a lot cheaper to go to the doctors clinic for check.

[Mymechew]

It is a little bit more than hundred years ago that in the American town Overbrook money was collected to build a hospital for the 'heathens' of Chiang Rai (1903).

The Presbytarian Dr. Briggs, having the confidence of King Rama V, became its director.

And not only this, he became the highest official of Chiang Rai, built the Sala Klang Kao, Presbyterian churches and had roads made in this town.

Without Dr. Briggs Chiang Rai would not have looked as it does to-day.

(Anybode, Joel, knows if the CWK school originates from the same group?)

But back to the Overbrook Hospital in present days.

Rumors say that the enormeous investments which have been made during the last decade are related to Canadian interests.

It is very nice to notice that the people in charge of the hospital had the awareness not to offer the old hospital building to 'progress' as turbo-capitalism is called. It is not only still there, it is restored as well. It is, with the Sala Klang Kao, one of the few architectonial monuments in Chiang Rai.

Our compliments (and certainly great gratitude of future generations) to the Director and management of Overbrook Hospital.

The slogan 'God is Love' you still find on the little bags holding the not particular cheap medicin the doctors of the Overbrook describe you. Before it was written in big letters in the entrance and even your bills would remember you of this glorious fact.

My question now is, according to your experiences, did the Lord provide the Overbrook Hospital with better doctors, equipment and care than for instance the Kasemrad Sriburin Hospital? Or the Governmental Regional Hospital?

Or is the excellent image the hospital holds in the eyes of many Chiang Rai citizens based on the fact that it has the longest history and that the unsurpassable Dr. Ploum is at the helm of it?

Which hospital do you prefer and (if possible) why?

Limbo

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Without a doubt Sriburin is the best hospital in town. Dr. Subin, in particular, is the most able physician in Chiang Rai - excellent English language skills with a good understanding of farang ways. Sriburin's dental clinic is also top notch. I have less confidence in their surgeons and a few of their other specialists - for any maor procedure Bangkok is the best bet.

I believe that each hospital has its own staff of doctors. They do not practice at each other's facilities.

If Overbrook was true to its motto - God is love - why do they overcharge and overprescribe medicine for poor patients then threaten them when they can't pay the bill?

Mymechew

[Limbo]

If Overbrook was true to its motto - God is love - why do they overcharge and overprescribe medicine for poor patients then threaten them when they can't pay the bill?

Mymechew

Let me very carefully suggest some possible answers:

A. The Overbrook has made enormous investments during the last decade and this money has 'to come back'. The pharmacy of the hospital might be an important if not one of the biggest moneymakers of the hospital. And to be so the prices of the medicine are possibly highest in town.

B. The extension of the hospital puts its staff, doctors and nurses, under great pressure. They have 'to make production', the waiting room is full. Less time per patient, so falling back on the basic routines (ten standard diagnoses which are valid in ninety percent of the cases). The doctors are not sure if they see the patient back, so they choose for a broad package of medicine.

C. The Lord, per definition never sick Himself, prefers the much nicer atmosphere, colours, staff and furniture of the Sriburin. So He left the Overbrook together with the poor 30 Baht patients, who couldn't afford to go to the Christian hospital anymore. They were welcomed in the Sriburin.

Limbo doesn't know either. Also not why the routines of getting the bill paid are so spastic. So many bad experiences?

With all respect for the staff of the Overbrook, it isn't my first choice.

I stick with the Lord !

[MrOzark]

I went to Overbrook a few months ago and spent the night.

I thought overall that the staff was excellent and the care was good.

My deluxe room was not expensive and my doctor spoke enough English.

But....

When the time came to check out, I wasn't allowed to leave without paying my bill in full. I had to borrow money from a friend on the spot just to leave the place.

Most Farang that live here know that, but I was new and didn't.

Thailand is generally not diligent about having English posted more clearly and having staff around that speak English. That was very frustrating. They ignored my pleas for someone that could help me, spoke over me and took the money from my Thai friend.

But the problem is systemic. Thailand is low on the list of English competency in Asia. And Overbrook hospital, although full of wonderful people, could use more people that speak English and more sensitivity to this critical shortcoming.

Perhaps God can teach them English?

[Guest endure]

I went to Overbrook a few months ago and spent the night.

I thought overall that the staff was excellent and the care was good.

My deluxe room was not expensive and my doctor spoke enough English.

But....

When the time came to check out, I wasn't allowed to leave without paying my bill in full. I had to borrow money from a friend on the spot just to leave the place.

Most Farang that live here know that, but I was new and didn't.

Thailand is generally not diligent about having  English posted more clearly and having staff around that speak English.  That was very frustrating. They ignored my pleas for someone that could help me, spoke over me and took the money from my Thai friend.

But the problem is systemic. Thailand is low on the list of English competency in Asia. And Overbrook hospital, although full of wonderful people, could use more people that speak English and more sensitivity to this critical shortcoming.

Perhaps God can teach them English?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Perhaps God can teach you Thai? After all, you ARE in THAILAND.

[MrOzark]

Endure:

Yes, perhaps, but 'God' works in mysterious ways.

Maybe you can start a course when Thai becomes the international language.

You could call it: "Fluent Thai for hospital emergencies" and every temporary visitor can pass before they have an injury.

But I think you may have an uphill battle.

My daily Thai study will perhaps make me conversational around the time I leave and

then I can go to the Thai hospitals the world over started by Buddhists and be welcomed with open ears.

Thank God!

Anyway, the hospital staff is embarking on an English study program, and with the English they already know, they'll be up to speed in no time.

[Ormgard]

It is a little bit more than hundred years ago that in the American town Overbrook money was collected to build a hospital for the 'heathens' of Chiang Rai (1903).

The Presbytarian Dr. Briggs, having the confidence of King Rama V, became its director.

And not only this, he became the highest official of Chiang Rai, built the Sala Klang Kao, Presbyterian churches and had roads made in this town.

Without Dr. Briggs Chiang Rai would not have looked as it does to-day.

(Anybode, Joel, knows if the CWK school originates from the same group?)

But back to the Overbrook Hospital in present days.

Rumors say that the enormeous investments which have been made during the last decade are related to Canadian interests.

It is very nice to notice that the people in charge of the hospital had the awareness not to offer the old hospital building to 'progress' as turbo-capitalism is called. It is not only still there, it is restored as well. It is, with the Sala Klang Kao, one of the few architectonial monuments in Chiang Rai.

Our compliments (and certainly great gratitude of future generations) to the Director and management of Overbrook Hospital.

The slogan 'God is Love' you still find on the little bags holding the not particular cheap medicin the doctors of the Overbrook describe you. Before it was written in big letters in the entrance and even your bills would remember you of this glorious fact.

My question now is, according to your experiences, did the Lord provide the Overbrook Hospital with better doctors, equipment and care than for instance the Kasemrad Sriburin Hospital? Or the Governmental Regional Hospital?

Or is the excellent image the hospital holds in the eyes of many Chiang Rai citizens based on the fact that it has the longest history and that the unsurpassable Dr. Ploum is at the helm of it?

Limbo

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

[Ormgard]

Which hospital do you prefer and (if possible) why?

I’ve been a lot to Overbrook, never to the other two. Always been treated extremely nicely by English speaking staff. It has a low key, laid-back atmosphere. Never too many patients waiting. My maximum wait has been one hour, most times it’s 15-20 minutes. Doctors seem capable.

I have been a bit surprised at the cost of medicine; glad to have the explanation.

I also very much like that there is no farang fast lane, you wait in line just like everyboy else. Is it the same at the other two hospitals?

[dre1247]

If Overbrook was true to its motto - God is love - why do they overcharge and overprescribe medicine for poor patients then threaten them when they can't pay the bill?

Mymechew

Oh guys, this aint nothing yet, if you really want to feel fixed go to the Pattaya Bankok hospital in Chonburi. After this experiene you love them all at the Overbrook.

By the way, what has the true statement that God is love to do with overcharging? God doesnt charge anything, he IS love. That the burocrats in the hospital are having their own motivation is nothing new isnt it?

[Guest endure]

Endure:

Yes, perhaps, but 'God' works in mysterious ways.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

'God' doesn't have much of a foothold in Thailand. Perhaps you ought to ask him to work a miracle and wave his magic wand over Overbrook so that all the Thais can speak all the languages of any passing patient.

[MrOzark]

Endure:

Yes, perhaps, but 'God' works in mysterious ways.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

'God' doesn't have much of a foothold in Thailand. Perhaps you ought to ask him to work a miracle and wave his magic wand over Overbrook so that all the Thais can speak all the languages of any passing patient.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hi Endure...

Do you have a recommendation for which language to standardize upon?

Perhaps you speak Thai and haven't done much travel, because English is pretty much

the way the world is going. Some people have had good experiences at Overbrook perhaps every time. I didn't when I really needed it. Anyway, God doesn't speak English, s/he speaks Godish - fluently.

[Guest endure]

Endure:

Yes, perhaps, but 'God' works in mysterious ways.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

'God' doesn't have much of a foothold in Thailand. Perhaps you ought to ask him to work a miracle and wave his magic wand over Overbrook so that all the Thais can speak all the languages of any passing patient.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hi Endure...

Do you have a recommendation for which language to standardize upon?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Well, if I were in the Thai boonies I'd standardise in Thai in the same way as if I were up the Amazon I'd probably standardise in Portugese. I certainly wouldn't expect them to speak English/French/Mandarin just because I speak it. As far as Mrs God is concerned, I'd have thought she could speak any language she wanted. What's the point of being omnipotent if you're monolingual

[chiangrai57020]

Endure:

Yes, perhaps, but 'God' works in mysterious ways.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

'God' doesn't have much of a foothold in Thailand. Perhaps you ought to ask him to work a miracle and wave his magic wand over Overbrook so that all the Thais can speak all the languages of any passing patient.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hi Endure...

Do you have a recommendation for which language to standardize upon?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Well, if I were in the Thai boonies I'd standardise in Thai in the same way as if I were up the Amazon I'd probably standardise in Portugese. I certainly wouldn't expect them to speak English/French/Mandarin just because I speak it. As far as Mrs God is concerned, I'd have thought she could speak any language she wanted. What's the point of being omnipotent if you're monolingual

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I find all of the comments quite interesting. However, it is also obvious that the 'commentators' are not aware that a Thai doctor MUST be able to communicate in English BEFORE they can graduate medical school - a requirement by the Thai Medical Association. Of course, we that have been in Thailand awhile are also aware that every child from 1st Grade through to graduation receive English language training! Now, find any Thai that has recently graduate from a school of 'higher' learning that can speak English.

What is my point? Every 'foreignor' that I have met, from Africa to Sweden have a pretty good grasp of the English language. Since Mr 'T' so highly rates his education system, Why are the Thai students so far behind the rest of the World when it comes to the English language? If doctor's do not have a pretty good understanding of the English language, How can they benefit from research that is available on the internet (English)? If anybody in Thailand should have an understanding of English, it should be doctors!

Edited December 13, 2005 by chiangrai57020

[Guest endure]

I find all of the comments quite interesting.  However, it is also obvious that the 'commentators' are not aware that a Thai doctor MUST be able to communicate in English BEFORE they can graduate medical school - a requirement by the Thai Medical Association.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

What proportion of hospital staff are Doctors as opposed to nursing, technical and auxiliary staff?

[zzap]

"When the time came to check out, I wasn't allowed to leave without paying my bill in full."

Is this legal, or wouldn't they be holding you against your will? Lucky you had a friend with you at the time...

[MrOzark]

"When the time came to check out, I wasn't allowed to leave without paying my bill in full."

Is this legal, or wouldn't they be holding you against your will? Lucky you had a friend with you at the time...

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

BTW, It took a few days to xsfer the money from my account and pay back my friend.

I would have left and seen what would happen. As it was, my Thai friend was there, he had to leave right away, and I had no time to wait for someone that could say more than "one moment please" - I had already waited about 20 minutes. If this were China, I would have been fine. I understand the culture more and speak the language. I actually had more rights in general living under that regime then I do here. Sounds weird but is true. About it being illegal for them to hold me against my will, from the stories I've heard, there are few laws a farang can fall back on while living here. But people are very smily and happy - which doesn't do much for me in a practical way. And I don't count on the law in general to protect me in these kinds of situations.

[zzap]

Well, I wouldn't rely on the law to be implemented, either, which may well explain their attitude of insisting to be paid on the spot.

But what could they do, if you simply proceeded to the door?

"Patient beaten unconscious by security after emergency treatment?"

My experience in my regular Thai hospital has also been, that you are expected to pay immediately before leaving, but then, when I explained that I'd disappear for 20 minutes to go to the ATM, I never had anyone acting with suspicion against me, and that's from a hospital which doesn't pride itself of subscribing to god's love or anything...

[MrOzark]

By the way, zzap:

Your teeth are very white for a betel chewer.

Which toothpaste do you use?

Sorry, that was grotesquely off-topic....

What toothpaste do you use if in a hospital and you brought your own?

And do you have any recommendations for a good hospital in which to chew betel nuts?

Edited December 14, 2005 by MrOzark

[zzap]

Guess what?

-that isn't me in the avatar pic!

I prefer Darlie, but anything will do. And I don't spend a lot of my time chewing betelnuts in various hospitals across the country, so I couldn't recommend one.

[Potter]

I will first tell about an experience I had at a nice Bangkok hospital. I had a problem. The problem was not so big, that action was needed immidiately. I was told I needed and an operation. Visiting my home country soon, I decided to get a doctor from my homecountry to look at the problem as well. I had a complete different diagnose. A cream was enough to finish the syndrom. I never had the problem again.

Repeating myself. This happened at a nice Bangkok hospital. I do not have the same trust in Thai doctors as I do with western doctors.

I general I heard the rumor thai doctors get a commission from the medicin that is sold to you. Getting too much medication and antibiotics is a general happening in Thailand. I always specify clearly what kind of medicin to be given to me.

We could expect them to speak english or not? They advertise themselves of being international hospitals. With the location in the world I expect them to be speaking chinese and english. Probably Burmese and laotian as well. Of course it will be nice with german, french and spanish as well.

As far as I am informed, we do not get in front of the line when waiting for the doctors. Neither do we pay more for visiting the doctor. Personly I wouldnt mind to pay more to get in front of the line.

As for the 3 hospitals mentioned I have been to them all.

The governmental Regional hospital

Notice they do not call themself international. I visited a friend who had an accident at night. I spend some time walking around and had some problem finding out where to go. Lack of english speaking I would say. This does not mean their doctors are of lesser quality. Neither have I ever spoken with a doctor from their hospital. For most forreigners I advice to visit either Sriburin or Overbrook.

Kasemrad Sriburin. I am not sure if I like about Sriburin. For sure they have given me far more medicin than I need. They dont ask me how much medicin I need or anything. Remember I always specify what medicin go get. I told them I did not have pains and said I did not wanted any pain relieving medicin. Still I had to refund my prepaid money, as they gave me pain relieving medicin anyway.

I like Sriburin is a lot closer to my home than Overbrook.

I had my tooth done at Sriburin. They did a lot of work. I am not sure whether all the work was needed.

Overbrook is my prefered hospital. I never got medicin that I did not wanted. The doctors seem competent and speaks english well enough to please my often critical mind. If they are in doubt of giving me a lot of medicin, they politely ask how much to give me. Some people mentioning expensive medicin. That is not true. I ran out of medicin. Since the medicin worked fine, I decided to visit a pharmacy to purchase some more. The medicin at the pharmacy (next to "old dutch" restaurent) was more than twice the price as at overbrook. I went to an other pharmacy and of course my medicin was 20 baht cheaper than overbrook.

At overbrook I spend less time waiting to see the doctor.

I guess it might all be a coincidence how long you wait to be examined. I also guess we all got different experiences. Those were some of mine. And oh. The rumor about overbrook hiring people to collect 30 baht. I don't believe it.

[Potter]

Overbrook is the hosptial western medical insurrance companies refer to.

Edited December 15, 2005 by Potter

[Limbo]

A phone call to the Overbrook Hospital seems to enlighten us with the following:

If you are a Protestant you can ask your Clergyman for a letter to confirm this.

This letter will give you a discount of 25 % on most medicines.

This could be the reason that the text 'God is Love' still is printed on the little plastic medicine bags.

Like a wink to those who understand.

No use to tell it to the Buddhists or Catholics! Better keep it a secret! And don't tell it to the western medical insurance companies either. Don't wake up sleeping dogs!

At your service,

Limbo.

[richard10365]

I had religion shoved down my throat growing up. At this point in my life, I won't have anything to do with christianity. If I was dying, I would go to a government hospital before I went to a christian one.

Edited January 6, 2006 by richard10365

[Ormgard]

QUOTE

Without a doubt Sriburin is the best hospital in town. Dr. Subin, in particular, is the most able physician in Chiang Rai - excellent English language skills with a good understanding of farang ways. Sriburin's dental clinic is also top notch. I have less confidence in their surgeons and a few of their other specialists - for any maor procedure Bangkok is the best bet.

I believe that each hospital has its own staff of doctors. They do not practice at each other's facilities.

If Overbrook was true to its motto - God is love - why do they overcharge and overprescribe medicine for poor patients then threaten them when they can't pay the bill?

Mymechew

[END quote]

Thanks Mymechew! Many thanks. Saw Dr. Subin today and was taken care of very, very professionally at Sriburin Hospital. I felt in good, capable hands.

[Limbo]

QUOTE

Without a doubt Sriburin is the best hospital in town. Dr. Subin, in particular, is the most able physician in Chiang Rai - excellent English language skills with a good understanding of farang ways. Sriburin's dental clinic is also top notch. I have less confidence in their surgeons and a few of their other specialists - for any maor procedure Bangkok is the best bet.

I believe that each hospital has its own staff of doctors. They do not practice at each other's facilities.

If Overbrook was true to its motto - God is love - why do they overcharge and overprescribe medicine for poor patients then threaten them when they can't pay the bill?

Mymechew

[END quote]

Thanks Mymechew! Many thanks. Saw Dr. Subin today and was taken care of very, very professionally at Sriburin Hospital. I felt in good, capable hands.

I have great, great respect for Dr. Ploum of the Overbrook Hospital.

You can hardly find an organization in Chiang Rai, Christian or not, related to healthcare or education where Dr. Ploum isn't member of the board. I think he plays a very important role in the community of Chiang Rai and I also think that we all in one way or another benefit from his work.

Every town needs a Dr. Ploum.

It would be justified to ask the question: Does Dr. Ploum ever permit himself to sleep?

So if it wouldn't be for the professionalism of Dr. Subin of the Sriburin, you might consider to see him anyhow just to spare Dr. Ploum.

But don't go all at the same time

Limbo

[OneeyedJohn]

I've visited all three places over the years and quite frankly they all suck in their various ways.

I have'nt a clue who Dr Plum is apart from some Cleudo character but when I went to Sriburin the doctors first question to me was "Do I have Aids" followed by "Do I drink a lot" which really put my back up. (incidentally the answers are No Yes respectively). On another occasion my wife was kept at Sriburin for a week with nothing more than a saline drip connected to her, intermittent attendance from the doctors and nurses and the bill at the end was like a small magazine

But cheer yourself up by visiting the Aids ward in C Rai regional and be grateful u can pay for treatment elsewhere

[Limbo]

Early results from ballot counting in Chiang Rai province showed that the wife of Natural Resources and Environment Minister Yongyuth Tiyapairat (Thai Rak Thai) is taking the lead.

Salakjit Tiyapairat is followed by Dr. Pluem Supapanya, director of the Overbook hospital, and two former Chiang Rai governors: Worakiat Somsroy and Samroeng Poonyopakorn.

The latest information points into the direction that our Dr. Pluem is ending in third position.

The province Chiang Rai delivers four senators.

Go for it Dr. Pluem!

Limbo

[little_muppet]

i voted for Dr. Pluem, even i donno how he is but he is the only one i saw at the bus station while i was waiting to leave for chiang mai. he is the only one who introduced himself to me and ppl around the bus station ALONE by himself..... so i did vote him...

[Thanai]

In October 2004, upon my arrival in CR from a day of travel from the US, I was feeling quite unwell -- chest pain, trouble breathing, etc. Didn't think I was having a heart attack, but it was reasonably severe and nothing I'd experienced before. A Thai friend took me to Overbrook's emergency room. I got in to see the doctor and nurses very quickly...and found a dog lying on the floor of the ward. Not exactly inspiring of confidence!

THe nurses were all very nice, but spoke very little English. Fortunately, I do indeed know enough Thai to say "Jep tee nee" and so on. The doctor was very young, and spoke only slightly better English than the nurses. An x-ray was prescribed and I was led to the radiology dept and found a machine that was older than me! (I was 34 at the time). It said clearly on a plate affixed to the arm "General Electric, serial no XXXX, 1968."

Diagnosis: no pneumonia or clots that they could see. Presecribed ibuprofen. Sent on way. Total bill, including meds: 300 baht.

Skip forward two days: pain still bad. Developed fever. Decided it was time to haul ass to BKK, which I did and went to Bumrungrad, where I had been once before. Went to Outpatient Clinic, not ER, was seen by doctor very quickly. He spoke excellent English. Spent about 15 minutes doing various tests. Determined that I'd developed an infection. Prescribed three drugs. Total bill with meds was about 3800 baht. Felt better after a few days. A subsequent visit with my own MD in the States confirmed the BKK doc's diagnosis.

I later learned from Thai acquaintances in CR that Sriburin is the place to go -- they chided my friend for taking me to Overbrook!

I will say that I was never preached to at Overbrook. Never felt at all put out by the Christian theme even though I am a non-practicing Christian.

Edited May 23, 2006 by Thanai