The ongoing pandemic has impacted society and economies around the world, placing additional demands on already overstretched healthcare systems.
And Thailand is no exception.
At the same time, Thailand’s elderly population is growing, with the UN reporting that the proportion of people over 60 is expected to double from 2015 to 2050 to nearly 23 million, or around 30% of the total population of Thailand. country. However, medical resources – both medical professionals and medical devices – are scarce and fail to meet even the current local healthcare demand.
Since the majority of specialists are based in city hospitals, people in villages who need routine examinations or treatment frequently have to travel long distances to cities. For many, this is unattractive and impractical, given the time required, long waits in hospitals and high costs.
Digital health
In response, Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health launched the Digital Health Strategy to address the imbalance of health care resources between urban and rural areas.
Thanks to the telemedicine software system developed by the Thai Ministry of Public Health, combined with Huawei’s Ideahub and 5G network technologies, doctors in rural hospitals can make more accurate diagnoses thanks to real-time advice from specialists in central cities. .
Individuals can also consult doctors from home using Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health’s telemedicine app anywhere and anytime. Individuals no longer need to travel long distances to city hospitals for examinations or treatment, saving time and money and reducing face-to-face contact , which is not only important to help contain the pandemic, but also frees up medical resources at city hospitals.
Thailand’s National Cancer Institute (NCI) hospitals use Huawei Ideahub and 5G solutions alongside Thai Ministry of Public Health’s telemedicine software
National 5G coverage plan
According to government planning, 5G will cover almost all hospitals in Tambon in the next few years.
Dr. Somsak Akksilp, Director General, Department of Medical Services, Ministry of Public Health, Thailand, believes that the Ministry of Public Health’s “digital health” strategy can help meet the needs of a growing population. by better balancing medical resources in Thailand and can truly connect the value of medical care with patient needs.