The Thailand Center of Excellence for Life Sciences (TCELS) under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, recently launched the “Medicopolis: Chiang Mai” project to upgrade research standards and create economic value for medical innovations. The project is designed to integrate research with technology and promote knowledge of biolife sciences and biomedical information technology in practical forms.
In addition, the TCELS entered into partnership with 12 public and private sector agencies as well educational institutes to move the project forward and accelerate building Chiang Mai into a first model for medical and health innovations in the north. The launch event also featured a panel discussion on the topic “Direction of the innovative medical city to improve the quality of life of people and economy in Chiang Mai”.
Chiang Mai's Vice Governor Mr. Viroon Phantevee presided over the opening ceremony of the event which took place at Nimman Convention Center Chiang Mai on 29 November 2019. Representatives of the partners organizations were on hand to help speed up the project.
Dr. Nares Damrongchai, CEO of TCELS, led participants in visiting more than 10 showcases of medical technologies and innovations including frontier and transitional research as well as international-standard medical services. The research work will play a crucial role in the growth of public health development and includes Smart Kratib: The Rice Calories Controller; CMUBIQ SOS, a location notification system for assistance; Hospital Smart Kiosk by Got it Solutions, a multi-functional kiosk for health facilities connecting HIS to support registration, for checking rights to medical services, designated spots for patient examination and all payment systems; the Young Happy Application, an online platform to create activities for an aging society; and Rapid Prototype with Cloud Service Foot Print Data, rubber health insoles molded to individual feet which can collect data on the feet, pain, and types of problems, then link that data with health facilities, providing adequate knowledge for fast and convenient treatment by orthopedic surgeons.
Dr. Nares said that the TCELS regards Chiang Mai as having the potential to become the Medicopolis. In addition to be a leading tourist destination, Chiang Mai has human resources, medical supplies, professionals and medical knowledge. The city is also a regional hub of air transport, and thus able to drive growth of the healthcare business. The city therefore has the possibility to strengthen its capacities through better and innovative health services.
Furthermore, Chiang Mai has been designated as one of the major drivers of Thailand’s digital strategy. In line with the country's plan to become the Medical Hub of Asia, the TCELS is partnering with such organizations as the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), Chiang Mai Province, Chiang Mai Municipality, Chiang Mai Public Health Office, Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa), Chiang Mai Chamber of Commerce, Chiang Mai Chapter of the Federation of Thai Industries, Chiang Mai University, Science and Technology Park of Chiang Mai University, Maejo University and North Chiang Mai University. The collaborative effort aims to allow the public equal access to technology thus improving quality of life, boosting the economy and extending the project’s success to other areas.
Dr. Nares added that the public and private sectors as well as researchers could apply for funding to develop their innovative works into practical products and services.
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