Phetchabun Hospital Chief Admits 170 Million Baht Deficit Amid Mold Crisis
Phetchabun Hospital's director revealed a 170 million baht deficit that forced the facility to slash cleaning staff by two-thirds, leading to extensive mold growth discovered in surgical wards. The hospital has reduced debt to 26 million ba
Images from the surgical ward at Phetchabun Hospital revealed extensive mold growth on ceilings and walls of the patient housing building. The hospital issued a statement announcing immediate repair and renovation work according to government procedures. Most recently, Dr. Kobchai Jirchanchairot, the hospital director, posted on Facebook apologizing to patients and staff while explaining the underlying financial problems, citing a debt of 170 million baht that has severely impacted operations.
In his statement dated September 10, 2026, the director acknowledged the poor environmental conditions and took responsibility on behalf of all staff. He explained that when he took office in late October 2025, the hospital had closed its budget with a deficit of approximately 170 million baht, mostly from medicine and medical supply debts—a situation common among many government hospitals.
At that time, the hospital faced critical shortages of multiple medications that could not be adequately supplied to patients. The director and management board implemented strict financial measures, cutting non-essential expenses, canceling unworthy investments, and suspending non-urgent repairs and renovations. They also intensified revenue collection and increased work productivity. Some staff compensation had to be delayed until cash flow improved, with some employees waiting up to 8-9 months for certain payments. The priority was ensuring adequate and continuous medicine and medical supplies for patient care.
The hospital maximized e-bidding purchases to negotiate fair prices, allowing funds to be directed toward debt repayment. Today the hospital operates without shortages of most medicines and medical supplies, though some expensive medications require patients to make repeat visits. However, many necessary services were cut, including hiring replacement cleaning staff. The hospital now has only about one-third of its previous cleaning personnel, making external cleaning service contracts impossible at present.
Despite these challenges, improvements have emerged. By the end of August 2026, the hospital reduced its deficit to approximately 26 million baht and expects further improvement ahead. This year the hospital applied for evaluation to upgrade to regional hospital status.
