Ramathibodi Hospital, one of Bangkok’s leading medical facilities, is operating at reduced capacity following a fire that broke out in its main building (Building 1) on Tuesday night, March 11. The hospital has announced that Building 1 will remain closed for 48 hours to allow for comprehensive safety inspections and damage assessments.

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The fire originated in the pathology department on the second floor of the nine-story building at approximately 7:20 PM. Firefighters responded swiftly, evacuating patients from the upper floors and successfully containing the blaze within 20 minutes. Fortunately, no injuries or fatalities were reported.

As a result of the incident, outpatient services and surgeries in Building 1 have been temporarily suspended. Patients requiring medical records, blood donations, or blood tests are being redirected to the Somdech Phra Debaratana Building within the hospital complex. Hospital staff are on-site to assist patients and visitors, providing guidance and support during this disruption.

Blood Bank Crisis: Hospital Calls for Urgent Donations

The fire has also caused a significant setback for the hospital’s blood bank, one of the largest in Thailand. A power outage during the firefighting efforts damaged approximately 100 units of blood stored in the blood bank’s freezers. Dr. Artit Ungkanont, dean of the Faculty of Medicine at Ramathibodi Hospital, explained that while the outage lasted only a few hours, the blood is no longer usable.

“Each operation typically requires 10 to 20 units of blood. With this loss, we must carefully manage our remaining supply,” Dr. Artit stated. He emphasized the urgent need for blood donations to replenish the hospital’s reserves and ensure uninterrupted medical services.

The hospital’s smaller blood bank, located in a separate building, was unaffected by the fire. However, the loss of such a significant quantity of blood has prompted Ramathibodi Hospital to launch a public campaign calling for donations.

Pray for Ramathibodi hospital 🙏🏻

Cr. The standard pic.twitter.com/sAvzdAx8TA

— Pomcola (@pomcola) March 11, 2025

Community Response and Next Steps

The incident has drawn attention to the challenges faced by healthcare facilities during emergencies. Ramathibodi Hospital has assured the public that all necessary measures are being taken to ensure patient safety and minimize disruptions to medical services.

Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire, and the hospital’s management is working closely with fire safety experts to prevent future incidents. The temporary closure of Building 1 underscores the importance of robust emergency preparedness in healthcare institutions.

In the meantime, the hospital is urging the public to support its blood donation drive. Donors are encouraged to visit the Somdech Phra Debaratana Building or contact the hospital for more information on how to contribute.

This incident serves as a reminder of the critical role that public support plays in maintaining the resilience of healthcare systems, especially during unforeseen emergencies.

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Note: Ramathibodi Hospital, affiliated with Mahidol University, is one of Thailand’s most prestigious medical institutions, providing advanced healthcare services and serving as a key training center for medical professionals.

-Thailand News (TN)