The director of Phetchabun Hospital explained that the patient room ceilings and walls are covered with mold. Initially, housekeeping has been instructed to clean more frequently, and the issue has been reported to the Ministry of Public Health, with budget preparations underway for repairs.
On 10 Sep 2026 GMT+7, reporters reported that social media circulated photos of ceilings and walls inside patient rooms at a hospital in Phetchabun Province. The accompanying message stated a desire to raise awareness for the hospital, noting that doctors and nurses provide good patient care, but the hospital’s condition is disheartening. In the emergency case area where patients rest, ceilings and walls are covered with mold, the air is stagnant, and medical equipment is kept in rooms with contamination, unsuitable for patient care. Dust and cobwebs cover equipment and tables, as if no housekeeping or hygiene maintenance occurs. The post called for relevant agencies or donors to allocate budgets to support this public hospital serving impoverished people.
Further investigation revealed the hospital in question is Phetchabun Hospital, and the room discussed is on the 2nd floor of the 2545 Surgery Building, the female surgical patient ward. After the message circulated on social media, housekeeping staff were observed cleaning, but traces of black mold remained visible on the ceiling and walls.
Inquiries with Dr. Kobchai Jirachanchai, director of Phetchabun Hospital, revealed the patient building is over 20 years old. The 3rd floor above is air-conditioned continuously, but the 2nd floor is not, causing the ceiling on the 2nd floor to retain moisture from the 3rd floor and develop mold. Cleaning is normally done on a scheduled cycle, but the current rainy season with consecutive rainy days likely caused mold accumulation.
Initially, the hospital ordered housekeeping to increase cleaning frequency and reported the issue to the Minister of Public Health to prepare a budget for repairs. Significant funding will be needed. The director thanked society for helping identify this problem that might have been overlooked so it can be addressed promptly. The budget for air conditioning the 2nd floor has already been allocated and is in progress.