Phetchabun Hospital Patient's Ward Plagued by Mold, Family Seeks Government Support

A Facebook user posted an appeal on September 8, 2569, describing conditions at Phetchabun Hospital where she had taken her mother for emergency surgery treatment. While praising the medical and nursing staff, she highlighted serious facility problems: ceilings and walls covered in black mold, poor air circulation causing respiratory discomfort, unsanitary equipment storage, and dusty surfaces suggesting inadequate cleaning. She appealed to government officials and philanthropists to allocate budget support to state hospitals caring for poorer patients, noting that constant exposure to mold would harm anyone's health.

The post, accompanied by photos of the moldy ceiling and walls in the female surgical ward on the third floor of the 20-year-old surgical building, sparked concern about treatment quality. Upon investigation, reporters confirmed extensive black mold covering most of the ceiling and wall areas, with some traces remaining even after cleaning attempts.

Dr. Kobchai Jirchanchchai, director of Phetchabun Hospital, explained that the building was constructed about 20 years ago and had received air conditioning installation in nearly all areas except the affected room, which was pending the same work. He attributed the mold to humidity created by a gap between floors: the third floor has constant air conditioning while the second floor does not, causing moisture accumulation that accelerates mold growth, especially during the rainy season. He stated that cleaning frequency would be increased, and that Health Minister Pattana Prom-pattana and Health Ministry Permanent Secretary Dr. Somruk Chusaman had been informed. Experts are being sent to inspect and implement repairs, which may require substantial budget allocation. The hospital appreciated the family's post and pledged to resolve the issue promptly, inviting residents to report any problems to staff immediately.