Thai North launches "Sky Doctor" programme during high tourist season

MAE HONG SON, November 15 (TNA) - Hospitals in eight upper northern Thai provinces have been instructed to implement the "Sky Doctor" programme to provide air medical services for critically ill patients, especially tourists, in remote areas as the region is expected to welcome huge tourist arrivals during the ongoing high tourist season. Permanent Secretary for Public Health Dr. Narong Sahametapat on Saturday gave the instruction while inspecting medical services at hospitals in the northern Mae Hong Son Province. Dr. Narong acknowledged that the "Sky Doctor" programme is vital for patients' safety in the upper northern Thai provinces, where ground medical transportation is limited given the region’s geographical conditions. According to the senior official, the programme helps minimize time to transport critically ill patients to medical facilities at a hospital. Dr. Narong also ordered the hospitals to ready doctors and emergency units to ensure timely medical responses for patients, especially tourists. Thailand’s northern region welcomes hundred thousands of tourists during winter season. In Mae Hong Son alone, 100,000 tourists are expected to visit the province this month for the colourful Bua Tong Blossom Festival. The eight provinces are Chiang Mai, Lamphun, Lampang, Mae Hong Son, Chiang Rai, Phayao, Phrae and Nan. Launched in 2010, the Sky Doctor Programe has provided air medical service for 24-30 patients yearly on average. The Public Health Ministry has signed a memorandum of understanding with several organisaitons for use of their helipad and runways for patient transportation. They are the Defense Ministry, the Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry, the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry, the Royal Thai Police, the Bangkok Hospital and the Kan Airline Company. (TNA)