BANGKOK, July 1 — The Thai Ministry of Public Health and Japan’s Kyoto University have developed a curriculum to produce rural doctors in Thailand.
More than 4,000 doctors have so far graduated under the curriculum.
The ministry and the Center for Medical Education of Kyoto University signed an agreement for the joint project of rural doctor production at the ministry today.
Under the agreement that officially takes effect on July 1, 2014, Thailand and Japan will enhance the capabilities of programmes which produce rural doctors, exchange experts on medical research and teaching, and exchange information, experiences and researches on medical education.
In the project, the capability enhancement training will take place at the mediical education centers of 37 hospitals under the Ministry of Public Health.
Dr Songyot Chaichana, deputy permanent secretary for public health, presided over the signing, saying the Ministry of Public Health started its project to increase rural doctors in 1995 and medical students studying the project numbered 10,240 persons last year.
At present, 4,164 graduates work in their native provinces and 5,903 others are still studying.
He also said that Japan was experienced in producing local doctors that met health demands, especially those taking health care services to the elderly.
