ข่าวสาร
Public Health Minister Pattana Leads Delegation to Strengthen Thailand–Bhutan Relations, Advance Specialized Medical Services, and Enhance Bhutan’s Long‑Term Health Security
The Minister of Public Health, accompanied by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Health and senior executives from the Ministry and the Department of Medical Services, visited the Kingdom of Bhutan to strengthen bilateral relations and sign a memorandum of understanding aimed at advancing specialized medical services and reinforcing Bhutan’s long term health security. The visit underscores Thailand’s leadership in medical and public health development within the region.
Today (11 August 2026), in the Kingdom of Bhutan, Public Health Minister Pattana Phonpattana, together with Dr. Somruk Jungsaman, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Nutthapong Wongwiwat, Director‑General of the Department of Medical Services, and senior executives from the Ministry of Public Health and the Department of Medical Services, participated in the Thailand–Bhutan Strategic Partnership Program on Medicine and Public Health, held from 10–13 August 2026.
Minister Pattana stated that the visit aims to discuss strategic directions for medical cooperation at the policy level and to drive forward new collaborative frameworks between the two countries. These efforts include promoting medical personnel exchanges to enhance Bhutan’s clinical skills and service standards, further solidifying Thailand’s role as a regional leader in healthcare.
During the visit, Minister Pattana held a bilateral meeting with HE Lyonpo Tandin Wangchug, Bhutan’s Minister of Health, focusing on cooperation in gastroenterology and hepatology. Thailand and Bhutan have long collaborated in these fields, particularly in developing medical personnel and advancing the use of high‑end endoscopic technologies for gastrointestinal and liver disease treatment. On 26 June 2024, Thailand and the Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences of Bhutan signed an MoU on academic cooperation and personnel exchange in advanced endoscopic diagnostics and treatment, supported by specialists from Rajavithi Hospital.
Minister Pattana also met with HE Lyonchhen Dasho Tshering Tobgay, Prime Minister of Bhutan, expressing appreciation for Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness development philosophy, which aligns with Thailand’s MOPH PLUS+ policy under the concept “Healthy Lives Across All Ages: Driving Thailand’s Economy Through Innovation and Wisdom.” Discussions covered strengthening cooperation in public health, international trade, human resource development, and medical academic collaboration. The delegation also witnessed the signing of an MoU on developing specialized medical capacity to enhance Bhutan’s long‑term health security between Thailand’s Department of Medical Services, Bhutan’s National Medical Services, and Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital.
Permanent Secretary Dr. Somruk highlighted that Thailand and Bhutan have enjoyed nearly 60 years of continuous public health cooperation across key areas such as orthopedics, kidney transplantation, drug rehabilitation, cardiovascular care, and gastrointestinal surgery. The newly signed MoU reflects both nations’ commitment to expanding collaboration and advancing specialized clinical skills. Thailand’s Department of Medical Services stands ready to coordinate with academic institutions and clinical networks to support Bhutan’s national referral hospital and medical services, fostering knowledge exchange that contributes to long‑term health security and sustainable self‑reliance.
Director‑General Dr. Nutthapong added that the five‑year cooperation framework includes: 1. Developing specialized medical capacity and clinical expertise, with a focus on kidney transplantation; 2. Joint medical and public health research; 3. Exchange of knowledge, technology, and best practices; 4. Organizing bilateral activities to strengthen health security and resilience; 5. Exploring mechanisms to facilitate access for Bhutanese patients to Thailand’s tertiary‑level hospitals, in accordance with Thai laws and regulations.
19/08/2026
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