The Health Service Support Department dispatched a team to investigate a private hospital in Ratchaburi Province regarding a misdiagnosis that led to a death, while emphasizing that all private healthcare facilities must strictly adhere to legal regulations.
On 19 Jul 2026 GMT+7, Dr. Phuwadet Surakot, Director-General of the Health Service Support Department, Ministry of Public Health, stated that the department has ordered officials from Health Service Support Center 5 in Ratchaburi Province, together with the Ratchaburi Provincial Public Health Office, to conduct an on-site fact-finding investigation tomorrow (20 Jul).
The focus will be on verifying whether the medical care and patient assessments at the private hospital met the legal standards. This will involve reviewing the hospital’s medical records and documents, as well as summoning relevant individuals from both the hospital and the deceased’s relatives for statements to ensure fairness to both parties. Preliminary findings are expected next week.
Deputy Director-General Dr. Arkom Praditsuwan emphasized that the department urges all private healthcare facilities to prioritize patient safety above all. If a facility lacks the specialists or equipment necessary for patient care, it must promptly and appropriately refer patients to other facilities.
If any healthcare facility is found to be operating below the legal standards, not only will the healthcare providers be liable, but the facility operators will also be held accountable under the Hospital Act B.E. 2541 (1998) for failing to supervise and ensure that professionals comply with their respective laws. Penalties include imprisonment and fines, and cases will be referred to professional councils for ethical disciplinary action.
Furthermore, if members of the public suffer harm from medical treatment at private hospitals or clinics, they can file complaints with the Health Service Support Department in Bangkok at 02 193 7002, or with the provincial public health offices if they reside outside the capital.