Bangkok, ThailandSunday, December 20, 2009
Need gastric bypass surgery? How about laser eye surgery? Going to have a baby? Newest cancer treatment? Sleep disorders? Yes, you've come to the right place: Bangkok's Bumrungrad Hospital. And on the next floor...
Somewhere between a Medical Disneyland and a Medical Mecca, this place is a glittering mélange of peoples from all over Asia, Africa and the Middle East: all are coming to visit this font of medical knowledge and service. All of this doesn't come cheap, but it's certainly less expensive, closer, and more accessible than most that the West has to offer. Hey, even the Peace Corps sends its Volunteers here from all over Asia for medical treatment.
Ever been to Disneyland? At times I found myself expecting the staff to burst into a chorus of "It's a small world"...
The hospital menus choices come in "Oriental", "Western" and "Halal" (that's the Muslim version of Kosher).
Translators are available for non-English speakers--most of the doctors and nurses speak good English. There are roses in the bathrooms, and those wonderfully old-fashioned nurses' hats ordain many of the nurses. There's a big ol' Starbucks in the main lobby and a strategically placed Christmas tree or two. The children's play areas are great and watching the huge pharmacy in action behind a wall of glass is something out Charlie and the Chocolate Factory...Oh, and the electronic signs in the cashier's area flash alternately in Thai, Japanese, English and Arabic.
Lest you think I am being facetious or disrespectful, I am not. We came to Bangkok specifically to consult with doctors at Bumrungrad. But once you actually get here, the impressive nature of the place sort of overwhelms you.
Bumrungrad is the second stop on our informal Asian Hospital Tour. Although the overnight stays were not part of our original itinerary, we are happy to report that our "personalized" tour of the hospital went well. The doctors, nurses and general level of care were excellent and the place itself a fascinating experience.
We're back "home" at our hotel here in Bangkok, but my head is still spinning from impressions of the place...No establishment of any kind in Bangkok seems to be without its own small shrine. Bumrungrad is no exception.
