THAILAND – State-run hospitals across the country are competing strongly to grab newly graduated nurses because of a severe shortage blamed on government inattention over the past few years.

Khon Kaen Hospital director Dr Peeraphan Suwanchaimart said even though his hospital had 800 nurses, it was not enough because of the National Health Security Office’s policy to extend medical services under the universal healthcare scheme.

The hospital also had to provide medical treatment for patients transferred from other hospitals, especially from rural facilities.

Read more: AsiaOne