Officials at Bangkok
Hospital Pattaya pose with the new Robo Doctor.
Vittaya Yoondorn
Hoping to put a “face” on technology aimed at
improving patient care, Bangkok Hospital Pattaya has introduced a “Robo
Doctor” that allows doctors to talk to their patients even if they are
continents apart.
At a Jan. 30 press conference, Bangkok Dusit Medical
Services Vice-President Chatree Duangnet debuted the American-made unit
resembling a movie android. It features a screen displaying the doctor’s
face via a remote camera and allows the patient and physician to
communicate through the screen. Known as Remote Presence, the unit is
one of five purchased by the Bangkok Hospital group for 3 million baht
each.
Chatree said the technology allows doctors accurate
views and scans of the patient’s bones, eyes and heart monitor as
needed. Emergency patients will receive treatment within three hours and
the consultation will be free.
The hospital believes the addition of Robo Doctor is
an important step towards establishing Thailand as a medical destination
in Asia.
