Thai health minister unveils emergency airlift project to save tourists

In a move set to revolutionise emergency medical services, Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew declared the expansion of Thailand’s Sky Doctor project during an emergency airlift rehearsal in Phang Nga.

The rehearsal unfolded at Koh Yao Witthaya School, where the minister, accompanied by permanent secretary Opas Karnkawinpong, showcased their commitment to elevating the nation’s healthcare services to international standards.

Addressing the captivated audience, Cholnan highlighted the pivotal role of the Sky Doctor project in safeguarding Phang Nga, a bustling tourist destination blessed with scenic islands. With a staggering 2.61 million visitors last year, generating a whopping 12 billion baht, the need for swift medical response is paramount. The health minister emphasised that The Sky Doctor project will not only save lives but also boost confidence among our invaluable foreign tourists.

The Sky Doctor initiative involves deploying skilled medical teams via helicopters to reach remote areas, including islands like Koh Yao, ensuring prompt treatment and potentially rescuing lives. Cholnan announced plans to extend this life-saving service to all 13 public health areas nationwide, revolutionising emergency response across the country.

Permanent Secretary Opas Karnkawinpong shared the ministry’s strategic preparations, unveiling five ambulance boats commissioned for the Phang Nga islands and establishing nine helicopter landing spots for swift emergency airlifts. Opas proudly detailed the intensive training programmes conducted in Phang Nga, where six expert teams underwent the Basic Helicopter Emergency Medical Services Course.

In a testament to the Sky Doctor project’s success, Cholnan recounted a rescue mission in 2021. Two patients suffering from aortic dissection were airlifted to Hat Yai Hospital and Trang, receiving timely and effective treatment. Since its inception in 2009, the Sky Doctor project, a collaboration between the National Institute for Emergency Medicine (NIEM) and the Public Health Ministry, has soared to unprecedented heights.

The Thai health minister’s ambitious vision to establish Sky Doctor teams in every public health area within 100 days is set to reshape Thailand’s emergency medical landscape. With over 400 operations performed, nearly 400 patients airlifted, and three successful organ deliveries since 2021, the Sky Doctor project has significantly contributed to patient survival chances, reported The Nation.

In an announcement in September last year, Cholnan pledged to expand the program rapidly, fortifying Thailand’s emergency medical response, especially during the bustling tourist season.