Thailand to become centre of health in ASEAN
Bangkok: Thailand Centre of Excellence for Life Sciences (TCELS) plans to propose the “Medicopolis” project for the government’s consideration in order to develop the country as a centre of health “Medicopolises” in ASEAN.
According to TCELS, the “Medicopolis” initiative puts special emphasis on research and development or R&D of medical technologies, conducted in Thailand, to reduce costs of imported medicines and pharmaceutical equipment. It is, thus, the concept of area-based development, similar to major industrial estates in Thailand, which draw greater investment from both government and private firms.
Programme initiator and TCELS advisor, Professor Emeritus Dr. Montri Chulavatanatol explained that a “Medicopolis” will connect health care services and the life science technology development, without overlapping with the ideas of the “Medical Hub” or the “Medical Tourism” projects of the Ministry of Public Health.
Dr. Montri said even though each medicopolis will cost hundreds of millions to operate, it provides equal access to not only high-class or premium population, but also those with middle to lower income, as well as displaced people at all medicopolises nationwide, or even regionwide, as offered health programs will be based on health concerns, needs and desires of people in each geographical area.
Amid emerging medical cities worldwide, the TCELS advisor acknowledged, the idea of Medicopolises appears to be first aired in Asean and is expected to draw a warm welcome from regional population, given the total number of Asean population at about 600 million by 2015 when the Asean Single Community is formed.
Study-after-study show that Asean consumers trust in Thai hospitality and medical services, whereby three specific treatments, including “Platinum” for the growing aging society, “Superstar” for the expanding demand for cosmetic surgery and “Wellness” for the rising physical and mental health problems, will be the main focus of the programme.
TCELS announced that it is pushing the project for the Thai government’s consideration and approval, aimed to first branch out “Medicopolises” across Thailand in the near future and to develop the Kingdom as a centre of health Medicopolises in Asean eventually.
