Chulalongkorn Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society, has signed an MOU with Dusit Thani Public Company Limited to establish a Comprehensive Medical Corridor and health-oriented accommodations. This collaboration aims to advance medical innovation, modernize healthcare services, and ensure high standards of care for the public.

On August 28, 2024, Chulalongkorn Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society, and the Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, held a ceremony to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Chulalongkorn Hospital and Dusit Thani Public Company Limited. The agreement is aimed at creating a Comprehensive Medical Corridor and health-oriented accommodations in central Bangkok. The signing ceremony was attended by executives and held at the Rattanavithayapat Building.     

        Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chanchai Sittiphan, Director of Chulalongkorn Hospital and Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, stated that Chulalongkorn Hospital and Dusit Thani Public Company Limited have signed the MOU to establish a Comprehensive Medical Corridor and health-oriented accommodations in central Bangkok. This collaboration combines the strengths of both organizations, with a shared goal of benefiting the public.

He further highlighted that Chulalongkorn Hospital is renowned for its medical and nursing services, as well as its research and innovation development. The hospital aims to stay at the forefront of medical advancements, aligning with its vision and mission. He expressed great pleasure in collaborating with Dusit Thani, a company known for its expertise in hotel management, residential projects both domestically and internationally, as well as its strengths in the food business and culinary schools. This partnership seeks to integrate the strengths of both organizations to maximize benefits and provide more options for patients receiving treatment at the hospital.

Chulalongkorn Hospital and Dusit Thani are in the heart of Bangkok’s Central Business District (CBD), making it convenient for the public to access medical services and temporary accommodation. The collaboration between these leading organizations near each other will create a seamless connection, offering a comprehensive care option for patients and their families.

For some patients, there may be no need for hospitalization, but traveling back and forth for continuous treatment can be inconvenient. This partnership will address this need by providing temporary accommodation nearby the hospital, allowing patients and their families to stay close to the hospital for ease of access to treatments and other activities, such as:

1. Patients preparing for a colonoscopy – These patients are required to take a laxative to cleanse the bowel before the procedure, which often leads to multiple trips to the bathroom the night before the examination. They are also required to arrive at the hospital in the morning. Having accommodation close to the hospital helps reduce the stress and inconvenience of traveling.
2. Post-surgery patients – These are patients who, based on their doctor’s recommendation, do not need to be hospitalized overnight but require follow-up appointments soon after. Staying near the hospital makes follow-up care more convenient, especially for those traveling from other provinces or abroad, where returning home may not be practical.

3. Cancer patients requiring ongoing treatment – For patients undergoing continuous treatments, such as radiation therapy which can last from 2 to 7 weeks, staying near the hospital makes it easier for them to access treatment and helps improve their overall experience by reducing the hassle and discomfort of travel.
4. Patients undergoing sleep tests – These patients are required to undergo a sleep study, which typically involves an overnight stay at the hospital for monitoring. Having accommodation nearby allows patients to rest more comfortably and reduces the stress of early morning appointments or travel, making the process more convenient and less disruptive to their routine.

        Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rattaplee Phakart, Deputy Director for Support Services at Chulalongkorn Hospital, further explained that these patients often have specific dietary needs. For example, cancer patients and post-surgery patients typically require high-protein foods, while patients preparing for a colonoscopy have a limited diet for 1-2 days before the procedure. This can make it difficult to source appropriate meals and/or calculate the proper nutritional amounts. To address this, Chulalongkorn Hospital and Dusit Thani Public Company Limited have collaborated to develop a menu of nutritionally balanced meals tailored to meet the specific needs of these patients.

This collaboration will create a comprehensive medical service zone with a focus on key benefits for patients and their families:

1. Health-Oriented Accommodation: Providing comfortable lodging from leading hotels near Chulalongkorn Hospital enables patients to recover in a healing environment, helping to reduce stress and aid in their recovery.
2. Nutritional Development: The collaboration between the hospital’s nutrition and dietetics department and chefs from The Food School will develop nutritionally balanced menus tailored to the specific needs of patients, promoting health and effective recovery. Some of the meal plans already being developed include high-energy and high-protein options for cancer patients. Future plans include creating specialized menus for patients with specific conditions, such as diabetes and hypertension.
3. Service and Training: Dusit Thani will bring its five-star service expertise to train Chulalongkorn Hospital staff, enhancing the quality of patient reception and overall service. Additionally, Dusit Thani will serve as a consultant to the hospital’s nutrition and dietetics department, assisting in the development of menus and food presentation for patients. Chulalongkorn Hospital will also provide training to Dusit Thani staff, focusing on basic life support (BLS) and emergency response preparedness to ensure readiness in handling patient emergencies.

        Mrs. Suphajee Suthumpun, CEO of Dusit Thani Group, expressed great enthusiasm about this collaboration and thanked Chulalongkorn Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society, for trusting Dusit Thani to be part of the development and expansion of a comprehensive medical service zone and health-oriented accommodation. Under this collaboration, Dusit Thani is confident it can combine its experience and expertise in hospitality and food services with the medical service expertise of Chulalongkorn Hospital to deliver the best possible experience for patients.

The initial phase of this collaboration will be managed and provided through “Dusit Suites Ratchadamri”, located near Chulalongkorn Hospital, offering convenient access for patients. The hotel is fully equipped for long-term stays, ensuring guests receive warm, exceptional care under Dusit Thani’s high standards. Additionally, the partnership will also focus on the development of nutritious meal recipes, providing a valuable opportunity for Dusit Thani’s “The Food School” to learn and collaborate with dietitians in crafting delicious, health-conscious meals tailored to patients’ needs, as well as for other customers seeking nutritious dining options.

“This collaboration with Chulalongkorn Hospital marks an important step for Dusit Thani Group in expanding our ‘Hospitality Services’ business. We have long planned to drive growth in this sector, and this partnership will further accelerate and enhance our business potential. It aligns perfectly with Dusit Thani’s long-term strategy, which focuses on three key areas: expanding growth, diversifying investments, and creating balance. More importantly, this collaboration allows Dusit Thani to learn from leading healthcare providers about integrated medical services, health-oriented accommodation, medical tourism, and healthy eating. We are confident that this knowledge will enable us to expand our business and services to effectively meet the evolving needs of the population,” said Mrs.Suphajee.  

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