Thailand’s health system faces mounting strain as hospital losses, staff shortages and tighter budgets threaten patient access, service standards and bed capacity

Physician Keith Corl was working in a Las Vegas emergency room when a patient arrived with chest pain. The patient, wearing his street clothes, had a two-minute exam in the triage area with a doctor, who ordered an X-ray and several other tests. But later, in the treatment area, when Corl met the man and lifted his shirt, it was clear that the patient had shingles. Corl didn't need any tests to diagnose the viral infection that causes a rash and searing pain.