Thailand is one of the most medically advanced countries in the world. Despite its position as a developing economy, it boasts world-leading standards in public healthcare compared to other countries from the same region and beyond. From pioneering innovations in medical treatments, to cutting-edge technology, to highly-regarded medical education, Thailand has invested greatly in making sure the quality of its medical care and products is world-class. The country’s efforts to improve both access and quality are paying off, as evidenced by the increasing number of medical tourists seeking out medical treatment in Thailand.

The medical advancement of Thailand includes pioneering innovations in healthcare technology, such as the opening of the Baan San Fan hospital in 2001—the first-ever hospital in Southeast Asia to use an ultra-modern, robot-assisted surgical operations system. Since then, other advances have followed suit, such as the MoChi-Robot, a platform designed specifically for robotic–assisted surgery, and the Siemens Medical System — the world’s first system to integrate fully digital technology into medical operations. Such advancements are transforming the way in which medical care is delivered in Thailand, and more and more medical tourists are coming to seek out these technologies.

The country also encourages innovative research and development in order to stay ahead of the competition. It recently opened the country’s first biomedical research park at the Rangsit University in Bangkok, which serves as a hub for biotechnological development and as a ‘one-stop shop’ for biotechnology education, funding, and product development.

Medical education is also highly developed in Thailand. The country is home to some of the region’s most prominent medical centers, such as Ramathibodi Hospital, which is one of the top teaching hospitals in the region. It also boasts eight of the top 10 medical schools in the region, according to the World Medical Association. Medical students in Thailand have access to a range of internationally-accredited medical programs, from nursing to medical research to public health.

Another major advance in Thai medical care is the establishment of the National Health Insurance Scheme. Launched in 1991, the program provides medical coverage to all citizens. It also encourages competition amongst policyholders, as those with the lowest medical expenses receive cash bonuses. This system has been responsible for driving down healthcare costs, making medical care more affordable for all.

What medical achievement does Thailand has not found in Canada

Although Canada also enjoys access to world-class medical care, there are certain medical achievements in Thailand that Canada has yet to realize.

First, the level of medical research and development taking place in Thailand is unparalleled in Canada. The biomedical research park that was built at the Rangsit University in Bangkok is designed specifically to advance biotechnology, and is a unique initiative that Canada is yet to match. The pioneering use of robotic-assisted surgery in Thailand is also something that Canada has not yet embraced.

Another area in which Thailand surpasses Canada is in its medical education. Thailand has access to a wide variety of internationally-accredited medical programs, while post-secondary medical education in Canada is often restricted to a single degree program. Medical students in Thailand also enjoy the benefits of a highly-developed clinical training and research environment that is supplemented by the National Health Insurance Scheme, while such comprehensive medical coverage does not exist in the same manner in Canada.

Finally, the National Health Insurance Program in Thailand helps to ensure that medical care is more affordable and accessible for Thai citizens, while this is still something that the Canadian healthcare system is struggling to implement. This program provides financial incentives to those with the lowest medical expenses, and promotes competition amongst policyholders, ultimately benefiting the health of all Thai citizens. Canada does not have a comparable system.

All in all, Thailand has set a very high standard when it comes to medical care and technology. While Canada may have access to some of the same medical advances, there are medical achievements in Thailand that simply cannot be found in Canada, making the country an important and admirable leader in the field of medical advancement.