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In the reign of His Majesty King Chulalongkorn there was a big Cholera breakout in 1881. With his benevolence, he had established temporary hospitals in 48 community districts. The hospitals were closed when the occurrence of the disease was reduced.However, the establishment of a hospital was still in his mind and he appointed a committee to take responsibility.
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On 22 March 1886 His Majesty King Chulalongkorn had appointed the committee to establish a permanent hospital at Kromphrarajawangboworn Sathanpimuk(Wang Lang)’s Palace on the west bank of Chao Phraya River. He also gave money from his private funds as the first donation for the establishment.
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During the preparations, HRH Prince Siriraj Kakutabhundu, the King’s beloved
son died of dysentery on 31 May 1887. This brought him great sorrow and also a
strong will to establish the hospital. After the Prince’s cremation, HM The King donated
the wood planks and everything else used in the ceremony to the hospital as well as
donating the prince’s private fund.
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In the early period, the hospital committee had built 6 patient wards and on 26
April 1888 HM King Chulalongkorn presided the opening of the hospital and named it “
Siriraj Hospital”, also called “Wang Lang Hospital” by the local people. The hospital was
opened to render treatment to patients both in modern and Thai traditional medicine.
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With an increasing demand for treatment and an inadequate number of
physicians, a medical school was established in this hospital and teaching started
on 5 September 1890. It was a 3-year curriculum, teaching was both in modern and traditional medicine. This first medical school in Thailand was named “ Pattayakorn School”. The medical degree was awarded to the first medical
graduates on 1 May 1893. |