Mae Fah Luang University (MFU) in Chiang Rai has officially opened an extended wellness center to combat the increasing incidence of non-communicable diseases in northern Thailand and the Greater Mekong Subregion.
According to its interim director, Pol Lt Col Boontiwa Boonyuen, the MFU Wellness Center emphasizes early health screening to facilitate effective health management before the onset of ailments.
The facility originated as a department within the university in 2018 under the guidance of Adj Prof Vanchai Sirichana, the university’s founder.
Pol Lt Col Boontiwa stated that the center aims to mitigate rising healthcare expenses borne by the government and the public, especially those associated with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as hypertension, obesity, and diabetes.
These illnesses, frequently asymptomatic in their initial phases, result in considerable treatment costs if not addressed. Consequently, the MFU Wellness Centre seeks to identify risk factors promptly and advocate for preventive actions, she stated.
She stated that the renovated facility, financed by a government budget of 450 million baht and an additional 194 million for operations, is expected to be entirely completed by April following construction delays.
Since its inception in 2020, the center has served tens of thousands of individuals, averaging 200 to 300 visitors daily, of whom over 70% seek treatment for non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
The amenities and services comprise a fitness center, swimming pool, and nutritional counseling. At-risk clients may receive tailored guidance on nutrition, physical activity, and other lifestyle modifications, while patients with established ailments are referred to the MFU Medical Center Hospital or alternative medical facilities, stated Pol Lt Col Boontiwa.
Supplementary services encompass a 150-hour yoga program, facilities tailored for the aged, and health education. She stated that the center’s major focus is northern Thailand, but it intends to extend its reach to the Greater Mekong Subregion.
Treatment Anywhere
The launch of the MFU Wellness Center comes on the same day that the fourth and final phase of the 30-baht universal healthcare scheme, Treatment Anywhere, kicks off.
Dr Athaporn Limpanylers, deputy secretary-general of the National Health Security Office (NHSO), said the policy now covers all of Thailand’s 76 provinces and described the NHSO’s objectives in promoting it.
Enhancing speed and convenience to allow individuals to obtain healthcare services near their homes is one of the objectives.
The objectives also include ensuring healthcare providers receive timely financial funding and implementing artificial intelligence (AI) tools for pre-payment verification to ensure quicker and more accurate processing.
According to Dr. Athaporn, this success depends on the smooth exchange of information between service providers and the integration of data systems.
Providers are required to report correct service and reimbursement data, he said.
Additionally, the NHSO has enhanced service accessibility by adding phone lines to its round-the-clock hotline, 1330, which enables individuals to make appointments and request assistance.
For real-time service verification, the system additionally connects to the NHSO database.
The NHSO has also enlisted more volunteers to help with hotline operations. Communication platforms, including Facebook, Traffy Fondue, and Line (@NHSO), are also available to the public.
As of December 27, 13,004 healthcare facilities, comprising 788 medical clinics, 1,394 dental clinics, 5,491 pharmacies, 4,344 nursing clinics, 340 physical therapy clinics, and 453 clinics practicing traditional Thai medicine, were operational. 7.04 million users have used the services thus far.
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Geoff Thomas is an award winning journalist known for his sharp insights and no-nonsense reporting style. Over the years he has worked for Reuters and the Canadian Press covering everything from political scandals to human interest stories. He brings a clear and direct approach to his work.
