Orders for robotic doctors
Bangkok Dusit Medical Services is spending Bt150 million to import robotic doctors from the United States to improve its medical services and reduce operating costs at its hospital network over two years.
“This is the first telemedicine robot in the country and in Asia,” Prasert Prasarttong-Osoth, president and chief executive officer of the country’s leading hospital group, said yesterday.
Robotic doctors are designed and equipped with advanced technology.
They will be controlled remotely by a doctor to navigate wards and communicate via data, voice, video and website with patients and staff in wards where rapid access to expert advice is critical in 24 hours.
Narongrid Galaputh managing director of N Health, a subsidiary for laboratory, medical equipment and clinical support services, which is in charge of the project, said the robots cost Bt4 million to Bt5 million each.
The group plans to deploy 10 more robots in the country this year and to all hospitals at home and overseas in two years.
Prasert said the roll-out |had already started with five robotic doctors – two at the Bangkok medical centre and one each in Pattaya, Hua Hin and Phuket.
This will allow specialists at the Bangkok centre to communicate with doctors in remote areas to improve medical treatment as well as save costs, particularly the travel expenses and time for specialists.
Besides investment in innovations, the group will focus on expansion both domestically and overseas.
The business plan is now being considered by the board and |will be finalised next month, he |said.
