BNH Hospital, one of three hospitals in the Bangkok Dusit Medical Services Group, plans to spend more than Bt100 million to open five clinics in central Bangkok this year, hoping they will build a wider awareness of BNH and its services among target groups.

The hospital officially opened the first clinic yesterday at All Seasons Place on Wireless Road. Located among three sprawling office buildings and near the five-star Conrad Hotel, it will be known as BNH @ All Seasons Clinic.

BNH Hospital managing director Dr Krittavith Lertutsahakul said the first clinic, occupying 200 square metres, cost more than Bt20 million. The next four will require similar sums and be located in office or residential buildings on Silom, Sathorn and Sukhumvit roads and in the Banglamphu area.

He said the hospital did not expect the clinics to generate significant revenues, although estimates are that the first branch will reach the break-even point by year's end. Rather, it wants the clinics to be a tool for BNH to get closer to people in its target groups: locals and expats of good financial standing.

The clinics will provide medical services that do not require major treatment, such as for colds, diarrhoea and fever.

They will also provide medical consultations and check-ups for both locals and international travellers.

Patients needing more serious medical services like surgery will be transferred to BNH Hospital.

Krittavith said the clinics would provide an opportunity for BNH to show a sample of its medical treatment to its target groups and forge strong community bonds.

Since the first clinic's soft opening last Thursday, it has provided services to an average of 30 patients a day with a staff of two doctors and two nurses. The cost of treatment at the clinics is about 10 per cent cheaper than at BNH, starting at about Bt1,000.

Nitida Asawanipont

The Nation