BMA launches healthcare scheme to aid elderly in Bangkok

A new healthcare scheme was launched in the capital on Monday to help Bangkok’s elderly people.

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) recently conducted a workshop to launch the Urban Sandbox: Klang Model at BMA General Hospital. The initiative aims to enhance healthcare services for the growing number of elderly individuals residing in Bangkok’s inner-city areas.

The workshop was led by Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt, who also provided an overview of the BMA’s public health direction during the event, reported Bangkok Post.

Governor Chadchart revealed that the sandbox project aims to reinforce primary healthcare services for the elderly and other at-risk groups residing in the four districts covered by Klang Hospital, namely Pomprap Sattruphai, Bang Rak, Samphanthawong, and Pathumwan.

The 56 year old city chief further noted that healthcare services in the inner city areas may differ from those in the suburbs, considering that many inner city districts have evolved into “super-aged societies,” with over 25% of the capital’s population comprising elderly individuals.

Governor Chadchart wants hospitals to collaborate with different agencies, including district offices and the BMA’s Health Department, Medical Department, Education Department, and City Law Enforcement Department, to improve services further.

“The BMA piloted the suburban sandbox project at Ratchapipat Hospital earlier and now has the same sandbox at Klang Hospital for people in urban Bangkok.

“The sandbox contains 17 projects that use technology to improve patient care services, including those involving emergency care.

“Projects include telemedicine, health literacy about noncommunicable diseases, medical worker training, and nursing day-care outlets.”

Thavida Kamolvech, Deputy Governor, also noted that Klang Hospital has been tasked to help City Hall in designing a model for BMA’s hospital networks in northern Bangkok.

In essence, the healthcare scheme is a promising initiative that aims to improve healthcare services for the elderly in inner-city areas, thereby enhancing their quality of life. This is one initiative that needs to get off the ground.