... tell me very briefly about ... general medical care
Three Hospitals serve Sakon (City นคร)
To foreigners they are known as the military hospital, the private hospital, and the government hospital (look for the beds on my map right sidebar).
There are smaller hospitals or aid stations in the surrounding area.
These facilities perform standard medical procedures.
Where more specialized surgery is required, such as heart surgery, the patient is stabilized until able to travel to Khon Kaen, or Bangkok.
There are numerous clinics in the area.
They generally operate during lunch hours and early evening hours.
Most are operated by doctors who work at nearby hospitals during business hours.
It's first come first served, unless you call ahead. Bring someone along who can translate for you.
Plenty of pharmacies dot the landscape. A few of the pharmacists speak some English.
If you point out or describe your ailment, they can suggest recommended medicines.
Of course they'll offer you the most expensive options first. Ask for the Thai alternative.
Better yet, send your Thai companion:
I asked for the strongest antibiotic and got an expensive import at Bt 1,000.
I sent a Thai friend to get me the strongest antibiotic, it was Bt 200.
There's also a MRI facility in town.
Some years ago, after falling, I had my head scanned, complete with dye.
Cost was Bt 5,000. Prices had probably gone up somewhat by now.
What I've written about dentists before
My other hospital writings
