In 1967, the BMA had plans to increase healthcare access for the people of Bangkok in the growing capital. A hospital was constructed at the southern end of
Charoen Krung Road on the site of the old Bangkok abattoir. The hospital initially opened for obstetrics and gynecology patientsonly , inasmuch as the Bang Kho Laem-
Yannawa area had the highest birth rates in Bangkok, but rapidly expanded to other specialities. It officially opened as
Bang Kho Laem Hospital on 25 November 1971. On 9 April 1976, the hospital was renamed to
Charoenkrung Pracharak Hospital by
King Bhumibol Adulyadej. The hospital became the main teaching hospital for the
School of Medicine, Mae Fah Luang University in 2012 along with
BMA General Hospital, both hospitals thus forming the Medical Education Center of the Medical Services Department, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (MEC MSD BMA). == See also ==