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.
Officials at Bangkok Hospital Pattaya pose with the new Robo Doctor.
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.
