ON THE Record
Dr Tawisak Netwong, the 47-year-old director of Patong hospital in Phuket, talks to MONGKOL BANGPRAPA and ONNUCHA HUTASINGH about how the facility's plan to go public failed to materialise, triggering a mass exodus of doctors which left him on his own.
 |
| Tawisak: Patients’ lives not at risk |
In September last year, the 60-bed hospital announced its plan to turn into a public organisation which could welcome up to 500 patients a day.But the plan was ditched and 10 doctors resigned in quick succession, citing a heavy workload and low pay.
How and why did the plan to go public turn sour?
During the Surayud Chulanont government, the Public Sector Development Commission gave its full backing to our plan, save for commission head Kosit Panpiemras. He told the Public Health Ministry to rethink the proposal. By the time of the second revision, the government's term had expired and we were left where we started. Now I'm too tired to try again.
What was Mr Kosit's rationale?
A total of 21 public organisations did not succeed as they had planned. But none of them were hospitals. Frankly speaking, I still believe that many hospitals and schools need revamping.
How do you get by as the only doctor here?
The doctors who resigned still came to my rescue, mostly in the morning. I did 30 shifts a month (eight hours per shift). Some days I was alone. I would sometimes work 24 hours or 36 hours non-stop and go two days without sleep. I would splash water over my head to keep myself alert.
For how long has this been going on?
Since July. I tried to manage the situation, but to no avail. Doctors kept leaving and now I am the only one.
Does this situation stop patients, including foreigners, from coming?
Not at all. [In emergencies] you cannot afford to be picky, you just go to the closest hospital. Our ratio of foreign patients is more than 10%, probably because we are located near tourist spots.
Do patients face a long wait after arriving at the hospital?
The number of in-patients is dropping because they have heard the news and they fear I might feel sleepy. Time is running out for Patong hospital to stay afloat and maintain the people's trust.
How many emergency cases can the hospital handle?
Any emergency case requires the collaboration of many staff, for example to administer anaesthetics or to pump the heart.
But we are not at the critical point where we cannot accept emergency patients. I can assure you that I will not risk patients' lives [to bring attention to the plight].
Is the hospital currently operating in the red?
Yes, its earnings could not keep up with its expenses. I have to seek donations and hold fundraising activities. But it is hard to ask for much because we have not met the locals' expectations.
You also tendered your resignation, but the public health permanent secretary talked you into staying. Is the promise to expand the hospital from 60 to 200 beds the right cure?
Fifty-fifty. The issue here is not only the workload, but also the quality of services and maintaining the public's [positive] image of overall healthcare in Phuket.
Prev
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
Next
