Songkhla: Somsak Thepsuthin, Minister of Public Health, actively pursued the integration of digital health data between the Ministry of Public Health and the Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, to enhance the 30-baht universal healthcare policy. This initiative aims to improve access to healthcare services while prioritizing personal information protection. Following this, Somsak visited Nong Chik Hospital in Pattani, affected by severe flooding, and engaged with village health volunteers to promote sustainable health development.
According to Thai News Agency, on February 17, Somsak visited the Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, to review the progress of digital health data integration efforts. The initiative aims to facilitate public access to quality healthcare services and reduce healthcare costs by connecting health data through the "Mor Prom" platform. The meeting was attended by key officials, including Deputy Minister of Public Health Decha Isara Khaothong and Dr. Opas Karnkawinpong, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Health.
Somsak emphasized the government's commitment to upgrading the public health system, transitioning from the 30-baht policy for treating all diseases to enabling treatment anywhere. The Ministry has developed platforms like MOPH Refer and Imaging HUB to streamline patient referrals and improve treatment efficiency. Somsak expressed confidence that the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Prince of Songkla University will enhance medical services' speed and quality by sharing public health data.
Deputy Minister Decha-Isara highlighted the Ministry's focus on leveraging technology to improve medical services' efficiency while ensuring cybersecurity. Prince of Songkla University's collaboration is expected to reduce disparities in healthcare access and boost service potential. Somsak reiterated the importance of safeguarding personal data and the advantages of integrating digital systems in healthcare, which will facilitate medical professionals' work and enhance patient care.
Somsak's visit to Nong Chik Hospital in Pattani included discussions with hospital staff and village health volunteers, emphasizing their crucial role in combating non-communicable diseases (NCDs) through health education and promotion. With over 1 million village health volunteers nationwide, the Ministry of Public Health remains committed to supporting their operations and ensuring their sustainability through the Village Health Volunteer Act. This legislation aims to provide compensation and welfare benefits to the volunteers, contributing to their continued dedication to public health.