Ratchaburi: The Supreme Patriarch laid the foundation stone for the building. His Holiness the Supreme Patriarch presided over the foundation stone laying ceremony for the Chalong Satavat Building and the Phiphat Satapat Building at Somdej Phra Sangkharaj (Amphromaha Thera) Hospital. The Prime Minister presided over the ceremony as the lay representative. The project expands healthcare services for monks, the elderly, and patients with chronic illnesses, aiming to provide equal and comprehensive access to quality healthcare for all.
According to Thai News Agency, today at 9:30 AM, His Holiness Somdej Phra Ariyavongsakhatayan, the Supreme Patriarch of Thailand, visited Somdej Phra Sangkharaj Hospital (Amphromaha Thera) in Thanat Subdistrict, Damnoen Saduak District, Ratchaburi Province. He presided over a Buddhist chanting ceremony and laid the foundation stone for the Chalong Satavat and Phiphat Satapat buildings, part of the project to construct a health check-up and promotion building and a rehabilitation building.
The ceremony was presided over by Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, as the lay representative, along with Mr. Napin Srisarppang, Minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office, Mr. Pattana Promphat, Minister of Public Health, Mrs. Yupa Thawiwattanakitbaworn, Permanent Secretary of the Prime Minister's Office, Ms. Thitilak Khampa, Governor of Ratchaburi Province, government officials, medical personnel, and the general public, who were present to welcome and participate in the ceremony.
Upon the arrival of His Holiness the Supreme Patriarch, the Prime Minister lit incense and candles to worship the Triple Gem and offered offerings to His Holiness. Following this, the Minister of Public Health reported on the project's background, and the Prime Minister presented the foundation stone for His Holiness to bless and apply gold leaf. His Holiness then proceeded to the ceremonial platform, laid the foundation stone, scattered rice grains and flowers, and sprinkled holy water at the platform.
This hospital development represents a significant upgrade to the infrastructure and public health service system in Ratchaburi province. It aims to expand services to Buddhist monks and increase opportunities for all population groups, including the elderly, those with chronic illnesses, and local residents, to access effective medical services comprehensively, while also preparing the hospital to accommodate future needs.
This project stems from His Holiness Somdej Phra Ariyavongsakhatayan, the Supreme Patriarch, granting permission to the Ministry of Public Health to name the Damnoen Saduak Hospital in Ratchaburi Province 'Somdej Phra Sangkharaj (Amphromaha Thera) Hospital' in honor of His Holiness's 100th birthday in 2027 and to expand the capacity to provide care for monks, the elderly, chronically ill patients, and people in the area to have equal and comprehensive access to quality medical services. The Ministry of Public Health has allocated an annual budget for the fiscal year 2026 for the construction of two buildings: (1) the Chalong Satawat Building, a primary care and health promotion building, and (2) the Phiphat Satawat Building, a rehabilitation building, on a plot of land measuring 7 rai and 34 square wah.
These two buildings are extensions of the hospital's services, focusing on the care and promotion of the well-being of the elderly, aiming to provide comprehensive and equitable access to healthcare for all citizens. This aligns with the vision of His Holiness Somdej Phra Ariyavongsakhatayan, the Supreme Patriarch, and the government's policy of upgrading healthcare services to be closer to home, reducing overcrowding, and minimizing patient referrals to larger hospitals. This will benefit the people of Damnoen Sawat District, Ratchaburi Province, and surrounding areas.