Thailand’s PM and health minister unveils digital health stations to honour His Majesty The King

In a significant leap towards enhancing healthcare access, Sa Kaeo Hospital in Thailand has established digital health stations across 340 communities in the province. This initiative, part of the Royal Celebration Project, aims to honour His Majesty the King and marks a milestone in the country’s primary healthcare system.

Celebrating His Majesty the King’s 60th birthday

Over the weekend, Thailand’s Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and Minister of Public Health Somsak Thepsuthin, accompanied by Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Health Dr Kittisak Aksornwong, oversaw the launch of this ambitious project in Sa Kaeo Province. The event celebrated the upgrade of Somdej Phra Yupparat Hospital, Chalermprakiat Community Hospital, Chaiphat Hospital, and 72 primary care units in honour of His Majesty the King, commemorating his 60th birthday on July 28, 2024.

Revolutionising healthcare with digital technology

The Thai government has initiated ten key projects to celebrate His Majesty’s birthday, focusing on expanding and enhancing medical services. The Ministry of Public Health’s initiative aims to upgrade healthcare facilities to treat complex cases, reducing the need for referrals.

Sa Kaeo Hospital, serving approximately 562,000 residents, has introduced the “Urban Community Health Center” or Smart PCC Family Doctor Clinic. This facility uses digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI) to streamline healthcare services, making them more efficient and accessible.

Digital health stations: Bridging the gap

Locals can now use their Thai citizen ID cards to access health and medical care at 340 digital health stations throughout the province. These stations are equipped to measure basic health vitals such as body weight, temperature, blood pressure, heart health, glucose levels, blood oxygen levels, and eye health, among other medical indicators.

The digital health stations are linked to health databases and individual health records, utilising AI tools to identify potential health issues. The system can notify nearby doctors and recommend the next steps for patients. Notably, these stations are particularly effective at diagnosing eye issues in elder citizens, addressing the shortage of ophthalmologists in certain areas.

Expanding access to healthcare

Minister of Public Health Somsak plans to extend these digital health stations to more locations, including malls, markets, village halls, and shops, ensuring wider access to free health screening services. These stations are also connected to online telemedicine services crewed by doctors, offering convenient medical consultations without the need to travel long distances or endure long waiting times.

Both the prime minister and the minister of public health envision expanding these services nationwide. The goal is to provide every Thai citizen with easy, free, or affordable health screenings and medical consultations, ensuring accessible healthcare for all.