Bangkok, 28 April 2015 – In remote areas in the southern border provinces, many local people still find it difficult to have access to modern medical services. Because of some conceptions, a number of them do not want to seek medical treatment in hospitals or clinics. Aware of the importance of medical care to improve local people’s living conditions, the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) Region 4 Forward has launched a project, known as Mo Doen Thao, or “Traveling Doctor.”
Under this project, military doctors and health personnel travel on foot without weapons to visit local people in various areas. They provide them with free medical check-ups and primary health care, based on humanitarian principles and medical ethics. If any sick people need further treatment, they will be sent to the hospital.
The project began in 2008 in the three southern border provinces of Yala, Pattani, and Narathiwat, and it has proven very successful in promoting better understanding between local people and officials, in addition to easing a shortage of doctors.
Before traveling to a village, the mobile unit will coordinate with the village head, or community leader, to get information about the number of sick people and the security situation. The mobile medical team will work with local leaders to survey the sickness situation in each locality.
The mobile doctors sometimes meet injured persons, who have created unrest in the southern border provinces. They provide them with treatment and never refuse to accept them as patients. Apart from providing health care, mobile doctors also arrange training on health care for young people in various local schools. The project has received a positive response from local residents. It has also reduced suspicion between officials and people.
Mobile doctors are found to have played a significant role in winning the hearts of local people in the deep South. They knock at the doors of various houses to ask about the welfare of each family. A team of security guards will provide protection for both local people and officials, as well, during the operations of the mobile medical units.
The operations of traveling doctors are in response to His Majesty the King’s royal advice to “understand, reach out, and develop.” The royal advice is based on loving-kindness extended to all people wherever they live and regardless of their faiths.
This mobile unit project is seen as a way to tackle southern problems in a holistic manner. It is also an effective strategy to heal the wounds and dispel mistrust in the deep south of Thailand.
