Prachin Buri is a very small province but still we have no clue where exactly it is on the map of Thailand. Somehow, we could even spell its name correctly both in Thailand English. However, with the mission to visit this province. that was when we really have do some research.
After finding some information about this province. we began our 3-hour trip to the province where we thought there was nothing there. We connected the GPS to navigate us to Chaopraya Abhaibhubejhr Hospital. Once we arrived,everything was surprisingly different from what we thought. If you could imagine yourself being surrounded by the vintage town, this place is the perfect architecthural combination just like Luangprabang. This place was first builded as a shelter to comfort King Rama VII , however, it was not completed before the passing of the King. Chaophya Abhaibhubejhr therefore gave this building to be used in hospital operations and herbal medicine named Abhaibhubejhr Building.
Besides its Colonial-style building, we would be telling you about the Abhaibhubejhr’s herbal medicine in the next episode. Let’s now talk about how ‘special’ this hospital treats their patients as it the first time for us to see the collaborative work of each sector in providing food safety for the patients.
Yes, we are talking about foods provided for the patients which are made of 100% organic ingredients. But how can we be sure about that? The stories below can surely explain you how special these can be.
Special story 1: Chaophya Abhaibhubejhr Hospital is a 486-bed hospital with an organic department. Chao Phraya Abhaibhubejhr Hospital Foundation is responsible for collecting raw materials and inspecting farmers to send raw materials to the kitchen. Of course, it is not easy to manage raw materials that are uncertain in each season, organize farmers to get products on time and sufficient for patients in both hospitals. In addition to the organic department, there is also a work that needs to be done together with the nutrition department in the hospital in adjusting the menu according to the raw materials procured with understanding that the materials depend on natural conditions and seasons of vegetation. That gives us no doubt when we see variety of menu
created daily.
Special story 2: In addition to the collaboration within the hospital, there is also the coordination of the provincial agriculture officials to coordinate with the farmers in their areas. This is to ensure that the farmers are aware of the safety of raw materials which will be served as food to heal patients, rather than adding more toxic substance into their bodies. Therefore, this step highlights
the important cooperation between agricultural and public officials for the people.
Special Story 3: The hospital price guarantee mechanism is used to ensure farmers’ confidence that there is market for them without having to go through the middleman, whereas their raw materials can be sent directly to the kitchen. From there, freshly cook food can be served to the patients. We also witness that the price rates are the same as the ones in general market.
This is just some of the things that really exists and is not far from Bangkok. The small province that starts from a cooperative effort without having to leave burden to just one agency to take charge in being responsible for life and well-being of everyone in the entire province. In the next episode, we will tell the story of the expansion to other networks in hospitals and the public sector.
Only a day in Prachin Buri, we can already feel that this city is another enviable city where it is ready to be a master province of food safety and truly sustainable agriculture.
Author
Nattaporn Pinpech
Creative / Story teller
Author
Pu – Pakamas Kruthong
Professional nutritionist,
Head of Nutrition Division,
Chaophya Abhaibhubejhr Hospital
Lek – Chaweewan Bhuwasittidhavorn
Organic Agriculture Promotion Officer,
Organic Agriculture Department,
Chaophya Abhaibhubejhr Hospital Foundation