Medical education and establishment of medical schools: Keys to national development.
“ Before the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, the private healthcare sector in Thailand generated annual revenue of approximately 200 billion Baht. It is a robust industry that the country should support and foster.”
The healthcare industry is vital not only for keeping people healthy but also one of the primary engines of our economy. With proper promotion, support, and making it efficient, it can undoubtedly stand as a pivotal sector intertwined with the lives and health of people. Furthermore, healthcare has the potential to drive groundbreaking scientific discoveries that benefit us all.
Prof. Dr. Sinn Anuras, CEO and hospital director of MedPark Hospital honored us by sharing his vision for healthcare development in Thailand. He also put forth concepts and initiatives that can help expand and advance medical knowledge and expertise for further growth.
Visionary View Amid Healthcare Professional Shortages
“Thailand has only 20% of the minimal doctors to population ratio recommended by WHO, meaning we are chronically facing doctor shortages. This problem may not be as noticeable in Bangkok, where there is a higher concentration of doctors. However, the issue is much more severe in rural areas, where overburdened doctors must care for a larger populace.”
Furthermore, Dr. Sinn highlighted a critical shortage of specialist doctors, with each field having limited practitioners. In certain provinces, a shortage of specialists spans different fields, making it difficult for even those with financial means to obtain the most effective treatments for their illnesses, which is regrettable.
Establishing a medical school to increase the number of doctors serving the country is one of his aspirations and primary determinations for success.
Healthcare: A Key Driver for National Development
Private healthcare revenues in recent years showcase the potential of this sector. Many believe healthcare should not be a for-profit undertaking. On the other hand, placing weight on the healthcare industry can have numerous benefits.
“Consider affluent foreign patients willing to pay for treatment in high-caliber hospitals with skilled medical specialists. We can generate significant export revenue if the country is well-prepared, as it brings a substantial steady revenue stream each year.”
“From my perspective, engaging in this business can be beneficial. We can allocate the revenue generated to running the public health system for Thai citizens. This situation is where the public and private sectors can synergistically reinforce each other.”
Dr. Sinn's primary goal is to have an outstanding medical service system with skilled and ample health professionals, and he is determined to achieve it.
Medical school graduating quality professionals: Spurring the growth of the country
According to Dr. Sinn, a US healthcare system has expanded its healthcare business to Southeast Asia and decided to collaborate with MedPark Hospital and become academic partners. Both parties plan to establish medical residency training programs in the next few years. After program establishment, medical student matriculations and the establishment of a medical college can proceed, ensuring the training of medical professionals who meet international accreditation standards.
“Quality education is the singular means to turn out masterful professionals without relying solely on skillful specialist graduates from the States. It also helps address the medical needs of the country.”
The first class of medical students should be under 100 to ensure they receive close supervision and coaching. Plus, MedPark Hospital can institute training in 5 network hospitals of Mahachai Hospital Group. Medical students can do specialty training electives at MedPark Hospital.
“Producing skilled healthcare professionals and developing a high-quality healthcare system enhances patients' perception of the value of our services. Given their significant contribution to the economy, it is essential to offer them the best possible care.”
“A clear example is patients from the Gulf Cooperation Council member states. They are patients with ample financial resources seeking medical treatment here as they wish to be treated by skillful doctors utilizing efficacious medical technology. If they regain their health, they will earn a higher income.”
Dr. Sinn emphasizes the importance of establishing a medical school and being accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) of the US, as it would make MedPark Hospital a trusted medical facility that produces medical professionals and provides medical services meeting international standards. This accomplishment will materially contribute to the medical landscape of the country.
“As far as I am concerned, if we can educate and train our medical doctors, we will have sufficient medical specialists, increasing the number of high-caliber doctors.”
Initially aiming to supply medical doctors for MedPark Hospital and hospitals affiliated with Mahachai Hospital Group, Dr. Sinn plans to allocate medical specialists to rural hospitals, prioritizing the fields with a glaring shortage of specialists.
“Having the wherewithal to mint new medical doctors, whether for public or private hospitals, benefits Thailand regardless because they still practice medicine in Thailand, treating Thai and foreign nationals, and generating income for the country while advancing and developing medical knowledge.”
