depa partners with AstraZeneca Thailand to Boost Digital Healthcare Innovation for Thai Public Health System and Improved Quality of Life

Asst. Prof. Dr. Nuttapon Nimmanphatcharin, President/CEO of depa and Mr. Roman Ramos, Country President, AstraZeneca (Thailand) Ltd. signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 'Accelerate the Development and Delivery of Digital Healthcare in Thailand' to promote the adoption of digital healthcare innovation to improve the Thai healthcare system. The signing ceremony held at the Chaeng Watthana Government Complex was graciously presided over by Mr. Prasert Chanthararuangthong, Minister of Digital Economy and Society (MDES).

Mr. Prasert revealed that the shortage of healthcare personnel, the increasing number of elderly people, and the rise of emerging diseases all pose challenges to Thailand's current public health system. These also affect the economy and society of the nation. After the pandemic, all parts of the world, including Thailand, recognized the need to reform their public health systems to prepare for future events. In addition, the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) technology will play a significant role in the transformation. The Thai government realizes the potential of AI technology that can be applied to work systems to reduce time, procedures, and costs and to improve accuracy, thereby propelling the health system and enhancing the quality of life for Thai people.

"The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society intends to integrate with various parties, including the government, private sector, and civil society, to drive the use of digital technology to improve people's quality of life, particularly the health dimension, through depa's operations. We are committed to driving the implementation of digital innovation in health and medical care initiatives in partnership with other organizations. In addition, we work to promote digital assistance mechanisms for digital startups, small and medium-sized businesses to gain access to digital technology, knowledge, and opportunities to develop digital technologies and healthcare related innovations, as well as to increase public awareness of digital medical care. The government seeks to provide comprehensive and equitable assistance to all sectors. This is why depa and AstraZeneca (Thailand) signed the MoU today," the Minister added.

Asst. Prof. Dr. Nuttapon stated that in 2021, depa signed a Memorandum of Understanding with AstraZeneca (Thailand) on the first project to develop the digital healthcare industry and innovation with significant successes, including the launch of the pilot project "Don't Wait. Get Checked" campaign in collaboration with Banphaeo General Hospital, by applying artificial intelligence technology to screen for early lung cancer in more than 10,000 patients. The other achievement includes collaborating with the Thoracic Society of Thailand to develop "Asthma Excellence," a smartphone application that accumulates data about asthma treatment. In recent years, more than 3,000 healthcare professionals nationwide have used the application to facilitate and enhance patient care.

"The collaboration on 'Accelerate the Development and Delivery of Digital Healthcare in Thailand' aims to promote the adoption of digital healthcare innovation to enhance the public health system in Thailand, as well as advance the use of AI technology for initial lung cancer screening and to expand the results to other types of cancer screening and prognoses. We intend to collaborate with hospitals to serve more than one million people nationwide and to expand service opportunities in remote locations, including hospitals that need to reduce the cost of health check-up services," said the President/CEO of depa.

To researching and innovating medicines and solutions that will improve patients' lives, including initiatives that go beyond treatment to promote disease prevention and transfer knowledge about early diagnosis through a collaboration with the public and private partners. AstraZeneca (Thailand) is pleased to continue our partnership with depa. In promoting AI technology and other digital innovations to improve the efficacy of medical services, a healthy and strong population is essential for a sustainable future.

"The implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding titled 'Accelerate the Development and Delivery of Digital Healthcare in Thailand' will proceed with the 'Don't Wait. Get Checked. 2.0' campaign, in collaboration with the Office of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Health will add the capability of early-stage lung cancer screening with AI technology in public hospital networks, allowing patients to receive immediate treatment. The method is effective and helps reduce mortality. The latest collaboration also includes expanding the scope of work to provincial or regional government agencies and developing the use of AI in patients with other types of cancer, such as liver cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, and ovarian cancer, among others," Country President of AstraZeneca (Thailand) concluded.

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