HEALTH
New varsity hospital sought
Suranaree University of Technology has proposed to develop a university hospital in the northeastern region.
Deputy Public Health Minister Surawit Khonsomboon said the university has sought approval to build a 700-bed hospital costing 1.77 billion baht.
The project would enhance medical services and research in the region and help overcome a shortage of doctors.
If endorsed, the hospital will become the second university hospital in the Northeast.
The first university hospital, Srinagarind Hospital, is under the supervision of Khon Kaen University.
Suranaree University of Technology is an autonomous public institution, under government supervision in Nakhon Ratchasima.
The cabinet in 1995 approved the hospital project with a budget of 4 billion baht.
But the project was suspended following the economic crisis in 1997.
The university has also sought approval to establish a faculty of dentistry. The High Education Commission is considering its request.
Only eight universities nationwide have a faculty of dentistry, and half of them are in Bangkok.
Dr Surawit said the Public Health Ministry and the university also reached an agreement to turn out new doctors for Chaiyaphum Central Hospital, which will serve as a base for university internships. The university's medical students have filled internships at Surin and Buri Ram hospitals.
Dr Surawit said under the plan, Suranaree University of Technology will increase admissions of medical students, from 48 students to 68 students a year, and will increase admissions of student nurses from 48 to 80.
Bangkok Post
