Government urged to support private hospitals in research and development
THE government must facilitate medical research and development in a bid to increase competency and strengthen Thailand's efforts to become a real regional medical hub, the president of the Private Hospital Association has warned.
“In terms of the quality of doctors and medical development, Thailand is ranked just behind Japan. Our prolonged and biggest problem is the lack of new research and development,” Pongpat Patanavanich said on Friday.
The medical sector needs more biotechnology research, particularly in the areas of medicine, food supplements, cosmetics, medical equipment and ingredient products, he said.
The association called on the government, which declared the Kingdom’s intention to be a medical hub five years ago, to provide a clearer policy and direction of medical development.
“The country wants to become the medical hub of Asia, but this mission is still far away due to a shortage of research,” he added.
The association also urged the authorities to grant private hospitals with the necessary budget and support for research and development if they want to push the country as a real medical centre.
Last year, public and private hospitals generated income of Bt600 billion to Bt700 billion, up from Bt500 billion over the previous three years.
For private hospitals alone, foreigners have contributed annual revenue of Bt100 billion, increasing from Bt70 billion over the previous three years.
Gernot Ringling, managing director of Messe Dusseldorf Asia, said the trade fair organiser would arrange the Asia Medical Fair Thailand 2015, scheduled to take place in Bangkok from September 10-12.
The event is expected to draw 600 companies from 40 countries. The fair will also attract a record line-up of 15 national pavilions and country groups from Austria, Belgium, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Turkey, the United Kingdom and the United States.
Ringling said the medical trade fair will feature showcase technology and innovation, equipment, hospital supplies, diagnostics, pharmaceuticals, medical and rehabilitation sectors, and it will expand its coverage to a wider range of medical and healthcare innovations.
“Having attracted 35 per cent of its visitors from outside Thailand in its 2013 edition, this year’s fair is expecting more than 8,000 trade visitors, not only from Thailand, but also from the whole Asean region,” said Ringling.
Healthcare demand in Southeast Asia is increasing rapidly, driven by population growth rates. Thailand’s healthcare spending is estimated to rise by 8 per cent a year through to 2018.
Thailand attracts medical tourists from all over the world thanks to its quality services and natural attractions.
