Note: I was lead writer and project manager for Bumrungrad International Hospital’s Annual Report to Shareholders (AR) from 2008–2014. For the 2013 AR published in March 2014, the content narrative reflected the theme, Building on a solid foundation.
Building on a solid foundation
Bumrungrad’s future success is anchored on a solid foundation decades in the making.
The company’s reliable financial performance allows it to invest for the future. Today Bumrungrad is executing an ambitious plan that will attract and serve more patients from around the world. Its deep resources allow it to consistently recruit
Outstanding medical talent, fully equipped
Attract the best doctors and you can serve the most valuable patients. Bumrungrad’s reputation has allowed it to expand its medical staff without relaxing its rigorous selection criteria. Over 1,200 doctors are equipped with advanced technology, state-of-the-art facilities, and a supporting team with experience to handle demanding cases from all over the world.
In 2013 the hospital opened a Joint Replacement Center featuring Thailand’s first MAKOPlasty© robotic arm and 3D surgical modeling system. Over a dozen Bumrungrad doctors and nurses trained at the famous Dorr Arthritis Institute in California to master a technique that restores mobility faster and less painfully for patients with worn-out hips and knees.
By the end of 2013 work was well underway on a new Arrhythmia Center. By mid-2014 the Center will feature one of Southeast Asia’s most advanced Electrophysiology Labs, allowing specialists to fix the complex and dangerous “short circuits” that cause irregular heartbeats.
Comfortable, beautiful, innovative space to grow
Our transformative growth plan is a blueprint for serving 40% more patients by 2020. To get there, we’ve been adding more space at our existing campus and will develop satellite campuses nearby on acquired land.
More space came online during 2013, including 4 floors of new outpatient facilities in the International Clinic Building and new inpatient rooms in the Hospital Building.
Beyond boosting capacity, the major capital investment in additional space and facilities reflects Bumrungrad’s philosophy that the healing environment contributes to the quality of care. Intelligent design, integrating information technology such as Wi-fi and tablet devices, also contributes to service and operational efficiency.
Connecting a world of care
Patients from over 190 countries have made Bumrungrad the world’s most popular medical destination. As competition intensifies, the hospital strengthened its international presence in Asian markets that will be the most important sources of future growth.
Bumrungrad expanded its network to 22 referral offices in 15 countries. These are often the first points of contact overseas patients have with Bumrungrad, and they help with everything from scheduling visits and doctor appointments, assisting with travel arrangements and answering questions — all in the patient’s native language.
The patient experience extends well beyond the doctor’s office. In addition to referral office expansion and training, Bumrungrad created integrated cultural desks serving key nationalities with medical coordination, interpreter and concierge services. And it served patients with information and interaction in different languages, across different devices.
Do well and do good
Honoring its responsibilities to the community has been a Bumrungrad ideal since the Company’s founding. In Thai, bumrungrad means “caring for the community.”
In 2013 Bumrungrad’s people — supported by the Company, the Bumrungrad Foundation, and its philanthropic partners — engaged in over 40 community service projects, charitable initiatives and environmental protection programs.
As part of the Rak Jai Thai charity program, Bumrungrad surgeons in 2013 performed no-cost heart surgeries for 23 Thai children who lack the resources or access to much needed cardiac surgeries. At the personal request of Thailand’s Ambassador to Myanmar, Bumrungrad also performed the first such surgeries for 15 children from its neighbor.
They joined 675 other children who are able to lead normal lives and look forward to the future, thanks to this program.
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