Hello to everyone on the forum.

I would appreciate any information about the medical facilities in Nong Khai.
ie. how is the Hospital and the Doctors there?

Is there a web-site run by the hospital?
How is the obstetrics/pediatric unit there?

Any information would be greatly appreciated. My Thai wife is from Phon Phsai and we are expecting our first child. Her Visa to the US is not going to happen before the birth and we want to decide whether she should stay in Bangkok, where we are pretty confident in the medical facilities, or if she should go home, where she will have the support of her family, and use the hospital in Nong Khai.
Thank you in advance for any information.

Hi Chingo, welcome to the forum. Sorry don't have any info on Nong Khai hospitals. My wife gave birth to our daughter at AEK in Udon in 2005. I wasn't there for the birth, but according to my wife she had excellent medical treatment. From pre-natal care, the birth and follow up she compared it to the service she had in the US for our first born. Whatever you decide do ensure that the information on your childs birth certificate is correct, especially the spelling of your name. Our daughters birth certificate listed her as a JR. taken from my last name. Small glitch, but wasn't a show stopper when we applied for her Certificate of Birth Abroad and US passport. We just completed the passport process back in October. But that's another story (or thread), happy to explain the process if interested. Wish you the best and good luck..

Rito

There are more than 1 hospital in Nong Khai, you didn't say which so I am not sure how to answer you. However just for Info TGF is head nurse at goverment hospital there, just after my last visit she got sick and called me in BKK to tell me she was in hospital, when I questioned her as to where she informed me she was in private clinic run by a doctor instead of her own hospital were she could go for free, instead she paid for her stay in the clinic, enough said? If you want me to get more info for you pm me and I will question her about whats available there.

There are 3 hospitals in Nong Khai,Two couples I know have had children born at Wattana within the last month.The falang husbands seem satisfied.It is a private hospital!There are several good doctors here ,that have their own clinics!

I think that was one of the clinics TGF went to, like I said its kind of questionable when you go elsewhere even though you have to pay vs free, Stan with your background I think you know what I mean

shortimer wrote:There are more than 1 hospital in Nong Khai, you didn't say which so I am not sure how to answer you. However just for Info TGF is head nurse at goverment hospital there, just after my last visit she got sick and called me in BKK to tell me she was in hospital, when I questioned her as to where she informed me she was in private clinic run by a doctor instead of her own hospital were she could go for free, instead she paid for her stay in the clinic, enough said? If you want me to get more info for you pm me and I will question her about whats available there.

I would appreciate any information on any or all hospitals/clinics/medical facilities specifically regarding pediatric/obgyn services. (child delivery/birth) My internet searches have yielded very little info.
If anyone could point me in the right direction I would be very grateful.
Also, info on costs would be very helpful.

Thanks to papaguido, Shortimer and BKKSTAN for your replies.

Wattana Hospital Group has both Udon Wattana and Nong Khai Wattana Hopspitals.. see the link:
http://www.wattanahospital.net/service.htm

I took a very sick co-worker to Wattana Nong Khai a couple of years ago. He received quick admission, assessment and was put in their small ICU. Most doctors spoke English, the facility was small but fully equipped with various clinics. It is not as completely equipped as AEK Udon Hospital but pretty good..

I am an RN and have worked OB/Peds and L&D. I have delivered several babies as a Paramedic. While I am not familiar with Nong Khai hospitals, I have experience with Paolo. Their staff has impresssed me very much. If you want the name of the English speaking liaison and phone number PM me. I have brought my wife and two other relatives there for OB issues and have been quite impressed.

According to my wife at AEK she was offered 3 options:

1. Standard: Recovery in post natal ward, I think 6-8 beds in the ward (least expensive option)
2. Forgot name of service, but offered the patient there own room.
3. Delux: Own room with extra bed for family member (similar to a suite) better menu/food choices. Most expensive option (option we chose). My bill was about $2000 all inclusive (i.e. Dr's fee, meds, labs, delivery, room and follow-up care; also I believe this was for a 3night/ 4 day stay). When my wife told me about this option, it sounded like she was going on holiday...

papaguido wrote:According to my wife at AEK she was offered 3 options:

1. Standard: Recovery in post natal ward, I think 6-8 beds in the ward (least expensive option)
2. Forgot name of service, but offered the patient there own room.
3. Delux: Own room with extra bed for family member (similar to a suite) better menu/food choices. Most expensive option (option we chose). My bill was about $2000 all inclusive (i.e. Dr's fee, meds, labs, delivery, room and follow-up care; also I believe this was for a 3night/ 4 day stay). When my wife told me about this option, it sounded like she was going on holiday...

Your deductable would be about that with BC/BS in the US and the DRG (Diagnostic Research Group) time table would have her out on the street within 24 hours if there were no complications.
This is why I laugh when uneducated American friends tell me that I am living in the 3rd World.

muscle wrote:

papaguido wrote:According to my wife at AEK she was offered 3 options:


Your deductable would be about that with BC/BS in the US and the DRG (Diagnostic Research Group) time table would have her out on the street within 24 hours if there were no complications.
This is why I laugh when uneducated American friends tell me that I am living in the 3rd World.

I laugh at the same uneducated British "friends" who tell me the same.
If you want Third World come and see the NHS Hospitals in the UK.
When I first saw AEK in Udon, I was blown away.

my thai father was in the government hospital in nong khai it was the pits
rats everywhere when he was moved to bun khan hospital it was much better

Instead of worrying and whinging about the costs after the fact - why don't you people plan ahead and by health and materinty insurance BEFORE these things happen???? When you plan ahead you can find the right hospital and level of care that you desire...

Doc wrote:Instead of worrying and whinging about the costs after the fact - why don't you people plan ahead and by health and materinty insurance BEFORE these things happen???? When you plan ahead you can find the right hospital and level of care that you desire...

Go back to sleep,doc!This thread is about hospitals in NK Sounds to me like chingo was interested in what was available not your criticisms