Cabinet Approves Andaman Health Center Project Worth 6.4 Billion Baht to Establish Phuket-Andaman as Regional Health Hub
Thailand's cabinet approved a 6.4 billion baht Andaman Health Center project under Prince of Songkla University to transform Phuket into a regional medical hub, addressing healthcare shortages and reducing patient referrals to other regions
Government spokesman Ms. Lalida Periswitvatana announced on April 28, 2569 that the Cabinet has approved the Andaman Health Center project under Prince of Songkla University with a total budget of 6,431.74 million baht for a four-year implementation period from fiscal years 2570-2573. The project aims to strengthen healthcare services in Phuket and the Andaman provinces.
The project addresses critical goals including resolving shortages of medical and public health personnel, reducing the burden of referring complex patients to other regions, and enhancing medical services for residents and tourists in the Andaman area, which is identified as a strategic region for the country.
The project comprises five main components: the Andaman Health College, Songkla Nakharin Thai Medicine Hospital in Phuket, the Songkla Nakharin Medical Technology Service Center in Phuket, the Songkla Nakharin Digital Dentistry Center in Phuket, and Songkla Nakharin Hospital in Phuket, which will serve as a tertiary specialized hospital treating complex diseases, precision medicine, telemedicine, and training health science personnel.
The Songkla Nakharin Hospital in Phuket will include construction of hospital buildings with a budget of 4,845.14 million baht, utilizing 2,907.09 million baht in budgeted funds and 1,938.06 million baht in non-budgeted funds, along with medical equipment procurement. The hospital is expected to begin operations in 2573.
Ms. Lalida stated that this project will elevate Phuket and the Andaman provinces into a regional health center, improving public access to quality medical services nearby, reducing healthcare disparities, and building confidence among residents, investors, and tourists. She emphasized that this is not merely hospital construction but rather establishing a comprehensive Andaman regional health system with personnel, technology, research, and internationally standardized medical services.
