| Siriraj Hospital: A Stellar Institution's Historic Assets | |||
| UPDATE : 17 December 2009 | |||
Nida Tunsuttiwong Although Siriraj Hospital has developed a solid reputation for providing top quality medical care and services to all its patients, it's fair to say that it's been in the public gaze recently due to the presence of a very special guest – His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej (King Rama IX) - the nation's revered head of state and the world's longest reigning monarch. It's been estimated that more than a million citizens have passed through the hospital to wish His Majesty the King a speedy recovery since he was admitted for treatment on September 19 for inflammation of the lungs. Hope springs eternal While Siriraj Hospital these days can be considered to be among the region's finest medical institutions, the story of its establishment is truly tragic. The hospital was established in 1888, during the reign of King Rama V (1868-1910), after the great monarch lost his fifth son – Prince Siriraj Kakudhabhandha – to dysentery (in 1887), when the infant was only 18 months' old. During the same year, the king suffered further tragedy as two of his other sons passed away. He donated the late Prince Siriraj's inheritance – valued at about 56,000 baht (US$1,690) in those days - to the hospital and a fund created in order to establish the hospital's medical school. The hospital was subsequently named after the late prince. The hospital is considered to be the nation's largest medical complex, boasting 75 buildings, both large and small, as well as others that are currently still under construction. The hospital now employs 6,200 people, while its services meet the needs of up to two million outpatients per year. Regal connections Inside the Administrator's Building, which hosts a large number of offices, there is also an exhibition area, which features some beautiful murals, recounting major historical events.
I exit the Administrative Building and begin walking along Chakrabongse Road towards a monument to Prince Mahidol (father of the current monarch [His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej]), who also contributed significantly to the development of the hospital. Since the monument is surrounded by gardens, visitors tend to be attracted towards this area, since it's a great spot to just kick back and relax. Located just behind the monument is Siriraj Centennial Hall, where you will find a sculpture of His Majesty the King's mother - Somdej Phra Srinagarindra Boromarajajonani. Highlights from history Although Siriraj Hospital is probably best known for its Si Quey Museum, which includes the mummified remains of Si Quey, the country's most famous cannibal and serial killer, you may be surprised to learn that there are five other museums just waiting to be explored. The Songkran Niyomsane Forensic Medicine Museum (Si Quey Museum), the Ellis Pathological Museum, the Ouay Ketusingh Museum of the History of Thai Medicine, and the Parasitology Museum all share the same entrance and are located on the second floor of the Adulyadejvikrom Building. These museums were each named after famous medical doctors or academics. The first exhibition space is dedicated to the 1994 tsunami in Java, Indonesia, since a team of personnel from Siriraj Hospital took part in the forensic operations. Further inside you'll find a large number of mummified corpses and organs that have been preserved for educational and scientific purposes. Although the corpse of Si Quey is the best known exhibit, there are many other mummified corpses on display here. Most were donated by medical teachers and academics who wished their own bodies to be used to further the study of science following their own passing. Another area is dedicated to traditional Thai medicine. Among the exhibits are over 100 examples of local dried herbs and traditional forms of medical equipment. I stamp my tickets to record that I have visited the first group of four museums before heading for the other two, which are located in the Anatomy Building. While the first four collections I visited were located within a modern building, the Anatomy Building is somewhat older and a good deal gloomier. I subsequently found that my visit to the Congdon Anatomical Museum, located on the third floor, and the Sood Sangvichen Prehistoric Museum and Laboratory, located on the first floor, to be a good deal scarier. The most outstanding exhibits comprise four displays that feature preserved examples of the nervous system, including muscles, veins, skeletons and an arterial system. Other attractions During my visit to Siriraj Hospital, I also checked out the nearby Siriraj Medical Library, as well as Thon Buri train station, which is where all trains traveling to the south of the country once began their journeys. On the opposite side of the road from Siriraj Hospital you'll find a large number of drug stores where you can purchase medicines and supplementary foods at reasonable prices.
Siriraj Hospital's museums open daily (except national public holidays) from 9 am to 4 pm. Admission costs 20 baht for Thai nationals and 40 baht for foreigners. For further information, contact Tel: +66(0)2 419 7000, extension 6363. Transport connections: Boat: Take a Chao Phraya Express boat to Wang Lang Pier (pier 10 [or Prannok pier]). The hospital is located right next to the pier. source : manager.co.th | |||
วันอาทิตย์ที่ 14 กุมภาพันธ์ พ.ศ. 2553
Siriraj Hospital: A Stellar Institution's Historic Assets
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