Sakon Nakhon – Social media harshly criticized the director of a Subdistrict Health Promoting Hospital (SHPH) for drinking beer while drawing blood from an 83-year-old woman. Locals said he was heavily intoxicated, failed to succeed, and caused the elderly chronic patient's arm to swell and bruise. When questioned, he reacted angrily and was displeased, claiming it is normal to charge 1,000 baht per hour for off-site service. They called on the responsible agency to transparently investigate the facts.
The case sparked heavy online criticism after photos circulated showing a man holding a can of beer sitting beside an elderly patient during medical service. It was identified that the man is the director of a Subdistrict Health Promoting Hospital (SHPH) in Waritchaphum district, Sakon Nakhon province, prompting calls for the relevant authorities to urgently investigate the facts.
Regarding this matter, on 16 June 2026, reporters visited Phuwang Noi village, Kham Bo subdistrict, Waritchaphum district, Sakon Nakhon province, and met Mrs. Praphai (surname withheld), 83, a patient with multiple chronic illnesses including diabetes, high blood pressure, and kidney deterioration. She is the person featured in the online images to clarify the incident’s details.
Miss Sujitra, the patient's granddaughter, revealed the incident occurred on the morning of 8 June when the SHPH director near their home came to draw blood and measure blood pressure as scheduled by the hospital. However, they noticed he brought a can of beer and appeared intoxicated.
The granddaughter claimed that during the procedure, multiple unsuccessful blood draws occurred, causing swelling and bruising on her grandmother’s arm and hand. When relatives asked about the cause, they received an irritated response, with the director claiming that off-site service normally costs 1,000 baht per hour and if dissatisfied, they could go to the hospital themselves, before leaving the house.
Meanwhile, a local resident who wished to remain anonymous said that the medical staff member has worked in the area for over 4-5 years. In the past, there were issues with alcohol consumption. Although he stopped for a period, he has recently resumed heavy drinking, which is widely known in the community.
The resident added that people in the six villages in the area are aware of this behavior and are concerned about the image of public health services and confidence in the staff’s duties. They want the responsible agency to investigate the facts transparently.
Initially, locals have demanded that the responsible agency, currently the Sakon Nakhon Provincial Administrative Organization overseeing the SHPH, urgently investigate the complaint and take official disciplinary action if misconduct is found, to restore public confidence and ensure safety for service recipients.
At the same time, reporters have attempted to contact the relevant authorities, including the Sakon Nakhon Provincial Administrative Organization, for comment. Updates will be provided as the situation develops.