Historical Perspectives      Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child Health began as a part of the Department of Internal Medicine at Rajavithi Hospital (then known as the Women's Hospital) under the Ministry of Public Health, Department of Medical Services on 16 th April 1951 (B.E. 2494)      Limited medical care was provided, with only 30 admission beds allocated for children, services spread, parents brought more and more children for treatment at the hospital. This resulted in the increase in the number of a separate section for children, which until then as combined with the adult patients.      As the demand for pediatric care further increased so did the number of beds; by the year 1953 (B.E 2496) there were 34 beds for children and 36 for newborn infants. With the increase in the number of pediatric patients there was also an expansion of the section of pediatrics. Which was then divided into the Department of Medicine and Surgery. This resulted in the decision by the Ministry of Health to authorize funds for the construction of a new hospital for the pediatric department, calling it the "Children's Hospital", even though it would still be part of Rajavithi Hospital administration, The hospital was officially inaugurated by the Prime Minister, His Excellency Field Marshal Po Phibul Songkram on 24th June 1954 (B.E 2497). The new hospital included a 2 storey administrative building and other 2 storey buildings for patient care and admission with a total capacity of 137 beds.      Later, on 19th March, 1959 (B.E 2502), His Royal Highness Chulchakrabongse donated the Narisra chakrabongse building to the hospital to be used for pediatric education and research. "Saeng Rung", completed by 7th June. 1959 (B.E 2502) was be next building to join the rapidly expanding hospital. This building acted as a hostel for a few residents but more than that, it has a common room where residents can relax after a hard day work.      By 1954 (B.E. 2497), the number of patients seen in the outpatients department (OPD) reached 36,212 and those treated as in-patients (IPD) 2,744 With greater recognition of the hospital this number increased to 119,966 OPD and 7,466 IPD patients by 1959 (B.E 2502). At that time there were only five or six doctors and 50 nurses caring of patients. By 1974 (B.E. 2517). In 1973 (B.E.2516) the Children's Hospital becoming a new department under the Department Medical Services of the Ministry Public Health, thus separating it from Rajavithi Hospital.      By 3rd December 1974 (B.E. 2517) the Children's Hospital had gained full power to administer and govern itself . The hospital at this time had a staff of 18 doctors and 70 nurses. It was also in this year that the hospital started its 3-yeas resident training program.      A third building was completed for in-patient care on 11th February, 1978 (B.E.2521). This resulted in the conversion of the first administrative building into OPD, emergency room, dental department, EENT department, newborn section as well as a ward for private patients. It also contained the department of finance, nursing administration and lecture hall.      Despite the almost continuous construction taking place since the beginning causing some inconvenience. The quality of care offered to parents and children was excellent, increasing the OPD cases to 289,796 and IPD cases by the hospital consisting of general pediatricians, pediatric surgeons, eye and ENT specialists, orthopedic surgeons, anesthesiologists, dentists and pharmacists, who along with excellent nursing and physical therapy and rehabilitation, enable the children to receive complete, high standard medical care. The increasing number of employees resulted in the construction of a seven storey hostel for doctors and nurse.      Throughout its existence, the Children's Hospital and its staff have worked diligently and tirelessly to provide children and their families with excellent quality care. It has also served as a research and training facility and a referral centre for patients countrywide, thus becoming a tertiary care centre.