Bangkok Hospital Doctor Highlights Growing Crisis of Undiagnosed Illnesses
Dr. Shakti R. Paul, a leading physician at Bangkok Hospital, Thailand has issued a compelling call to action regarding the growing number of patients suffering from Undiagnosed Illnesses (UDI)—a condition where individuals experience persistent symptoms without receiving a clear or correct diagnosis despite multiple medical consultations.
In a recently published article, Dr. Paul outlines the common presentations of UDI, including fever of unknown origin, chronic pain, unexplained weight loss, and a range of distressing symptoms such as chest tightness and palpitations. These patients often endure prolonged suffering, financial strain, and emotional distress due to ineffective treatments and misdiagnoses.
Dr. Paul emphasizes that the root causes of UDI include limited access to advanced diagnostic technology, lack of dedicated doctors, weak integrated care, and insufficient collaboration among specialists. He advocates for multidisciplinary hospital environments, second opinions, and physician referrals when standard approaches fail.
A striking case involved a 16-year-old boy from Dhaka misdiagnosed with leukemia or blood cancer. Through rigorous reevaluation and cross-hospital collaboration, Dr. Paul identified Kala-azar—a rare parasitic infection—and successfully treated the patient, demonstrating the power of persistence and comprehensive care.
Through his practice in Bangkok hospital Dr. Paul documented over 250 UDI cases and published some of them. He believes that more than 90% cases can be resolved by thorough investigation and coordinated medical efforts. He urges patients and healthcare providers alike: “Never give up hope. With the right environment and timely follow-up, undiagnosed cases can become diagnosed—and treatable.”
For more insights about UDIs and selected case studies, follow Dr. Shakti R. Paul on Facebook and YouTube.