Category: News

Under WHO Global Agenda and Thailand’s Constitutional Law every patient has the rights to receive basic medical care.  Srinagarind Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University Telemedicine Service helps to meet this right, especially, during the travel and social restriction periods associate with COVID-19 pandemic.

Associate Professor Apichat Jiravuttipong, MD, Dean of Faculty of Medicine, encourages our hospital to use digital age of communication services to increase people’s health care access during this COVID-19 crisis and social distancing and travel restriction requirements, telemedicine services can help reduce hospital services’ crowding, and reach out into the community via, its medicine postal delivery functions.

The pandemic situation is a catalyst for all sectors to adopt   innovative technology that makes a difference, in reducing infection risk and clinic waiting times, and decreases travel and health care access expenditure stress.

Our specialist doctors can provide long-distance telemedicine consultation for patients and district and community health services.

This online service is increasingly popular from the SMC, Srinagarind Hospital.  For more information, please contact Special Medical Center (SMC), Line ID: @925lcmck

Another key best practice of telemedicine option is “Postal medicine delivery” which has received high customer satisfaction ratings.  Both Professor Songsak Kiatchoosakun, MD, Director of Srinagarind Hospital, and Deputy Director Professor Somsak Tiamkao, MD, support and encourage the “Postal medicine delivery” approach to

decrease COVID-19 infection risk and improve patient services.

Patients registered under, either;

• Thailand Social Security Scheme, or
• Thailand Government or State Enterprise Office & Local Government Office Scheme,

have no need to come to hospital to receive.

Criteria for using Medicine Postal Delivery Scheme:

1)  Patient with stable illness status, has uses same medicine and dose, continuously for at least 6 months, without complication; 2) Medicine which is not dangerous, and will not deteriorate during the delivery.  Medicines not eligible for postal delivery are; strictly controlled medicines such as chemotherapy drugs, those that require chilled or low temperature storage, and psychoactive drugs; 3) Patients must register for this “Postal medicine delivery” program prior to their medicine running out.  Please register via LINE Official: @247tktko

The Online International Postgraduate Student Conference on “Striving for a Successful Postgraduate Research” from the Association of Southeast Asian Institutions of Higher Learning (ASAIHL) will be held during 11 – 13 November 2021.
The organizing committee has a competition period where students can present a 3-minute oral presentation based on the following subject areas:

– Engineering
– Science
– Humanities and Social Sciences
– Architecture and Design
– Business Management

For queries, please contact Ms.Yani, Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) Sukolito Surabaya Indonesia
Email: int_off@its.ac.id or learn more information from the website https://www.its.ac.id/international/ipsconf/

Deadline of extended abstract submission: 30 September 2021.
Registration: 31 October 2021
Conference date: 11-13 November 2021
3-minute oral presentation: 13 November 2021

September 22, 2021 at 11:30 a.m. – Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., President of Khon Kaen University presided over the opening ceremony for the advanced technological learning project by means of the ‘Metaverse Experience’, a project run by KKU Library. KKU is among the first universities in Thailand to introduce the metaverse experience or a supporting tool for learning that will inspire students, staff members and even the public to acquire knowledge.

Metaverse is a digital virtual world that, when fully developed, will be a place where people can interact as if there is another entity in the digital world. It has been predicted that in the future, people will be living in two worlds equally. Access to life in the metaverse can be done through Virtual Reality (VR), which, at present, is something being competed by leading technological companies such as Facebook, Google, Tencent, or Microsoft, in terms of the technologies that will increase the convenience of users. In the meantime, the virtual world and its ecosystem are being developed for readiness to enter the metaverse in the close future.

Khon Kaen University as the Learning Center for All is aware of the quick changes in technologies or the technological disruption that will lead towards the transforming of the lifestyles of people in the near future, especially the development towards the metaverse. KKU Library has therefore come up with the project that promotes learning through metaverse experience. Under the project, VR Headsets are procured in order to enable users to have contact in the virtual world. The device is a bridge that spans the gap between the real and the virtual worlds. The VR Headsets will be ready for students and staff members as well as the public to use in October this year. The library will be among the first in Thailand that sees the importance of such an advanced technology. The device will allow users to have access to new technologies and platforms that are of interest and that may become the technologies that change the world and lifestyles of us in the near future.

Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., President of Khon Kaen University explained that Khon Kaen University has a policy to support learning through Metaverse experience as follows: “Metaverse is something Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook CEO mentioned not long ago that Facebook will change to a Metaverse company. We have heard about VR for some time. But now when Metaverse comes into pass, Metaverse will gain its popularity rapidly and will be useful in many aspects, including communication, social media and connection of all people in the world to be at the same virtual world. The technology will also take its roles in entertainment and instruction. I believe that metaverse and VR are the new technologies of the near-future world. Khon Kaen University by the Library has procured the equipment for VR-based learning for students and staff. We are among the first in the country to be using this. When started, students and researchers in KKU should have a chance to develop the thing they are doing and will be able to utilize it for benefits in innovations, instruction, entertainment, and development of channels for future  communication.”

Assoc. Prof, Supat Sinawat, M.D., Director of Khon Kaen University Library said, “The Library is aware of the importance in opportunity building and enhancing a learning atmosphere by means of modern technologies in order to prepare the readiness of KKU people to catch up with the changing world.”

The Metaverse Experience project has been ongoing with academic information support from Asst. Prof. Witcha Fuangchan, Ph.D., an expert in VR technology from the Department of Computer Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Khon Kaen University. With his support, VR headsets have been acquired. These headsets are easy to use. They enable uploading of various educational apps that will increase learning experiences such as the app that helps the students of the health science fields to learn and understand human atomy efficiently, for the metaverse experience will provide the 3-dimension perspective for them.

Assoc. Prof, Supat Sinawat, M.D., added, “For high coverage for the use of this advanced technology, the Library will provide the VR headsets at the main library and at the 13 library branches on campus.”

“I am grateful to KKU President for the support to the Library to use this equipment and serve the students, staff, and the public in this respect. We are pleased to invite everyone to experience the new learning platform with the ‘Metaverse Experience’, which is available at all libraries in Khon Kaen University from October, 2021 on.”

Support content : https://kku.ac.th/11956

We are excited to invite you to join the Tropical Medicine Webinar Series via ZOOM on the topic “Asian Schistosomiasis: Prospects for Elimination” by Professor Lydia R. Leonardo, DrPH, Director, Office of Research Coordination, University of the East, Philippines. 

Date: August 20, 2021. Time 10-11 am Bangkok

Register now: https://forms.gle/k829hswm98UCKA7A9

Online by ZOOM

Join Zoom Meeting

https://kku-th.zoom.us/j/98023241194?pwd=bmVmMEZCS0s3NEpxVjlxQlBwK09mdz09

Meeting ID: 980 2324 1194

Passcode: 411238

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Faculty of Medicine Khon Kaen University has collaborated with many parties on 6 innovative devices for increasing safety and medical care.

Long Range Stethoscope

The stethoscope is a commonly used medical instrument for checking hearth beat and lung function.  Stethoscope use requires the doctor to be close to the patient which could endanger both patient and the doctor during this crisis. Associate Professor Sarawuth ChaiMool, fom the Department of Electrical Engineering, the Faculty of Engineering and Dr. Auttipat Arunsawat, from the Faculty of Medicine and Mr. Chinchoti Vetsawanitchakul, second year engineering student invented a long-range stethoscope using wireless technology. This reduces the need for close contact between the patient and the doctor thus reducing the chance of disease transmission.

PAPR Suit (Powered Air Purifying Respirator)

The Powered Air Purifying Respirator (Suit PAPR) draws fresh air through a Virus Filter and is 99.99% effective in filtering bacteria and viruses. It also has a noise cancellation system to prevent noise while in use.

Battery (PAPR)

The Lithium-Ion Battery Institute, Khon Kaen University has now produced more than one thousand batteries (PAPR medical devices). For delivery to The Ministry of Public Health and hospitals all over the country. Scheduled for November to December 2021. It will also reduce the cost of purchasing commercial equipment.

Ozone Generator, Brand Prozone, Model Modified PZ7-2HO

The Ozone Generator, Brand Prozone, Model Modified PZ7 – 2 HO is a bacteria and viruses.

The Ozone Generator converts oxygen to ozone that can penetrate deep surfaces and disinfect well-enclosed space. It has been used to disinfect masks, materials, and PPE suits for medical personnel. It is now being further developed for use in hotel, office, and household setting.  The Innovation and Enterprise (KKU-innoprise) Group, the Faculty of Architecture and Northeast Science Park are working with students on this design and development project.

TOT-KKU SWAP Test Box (Positive Pressure)

TOT-KKU SWAP Test Box (Positive Pressure) is a device for increased safety for health workers and patients during COVID-19 testing. Converted from an old public phone booth donated by the National Telecom Public Company Limited, a UVC lamp and fan have been installed for air sterilization and ventilation system. Wheels for easy movement. The door has been modified with a magnetic open-close  system and there is a tray to hold medical equipment.

Service Robot (TEMI)

The KKU Library has also contributed to stopping COVID-19 transmission by donating Librarian robots to Srinagarind Hospital for servicing patients. The robots can be controlled via mobile phone or tablet with a real-time streaming option to allow doctors to examine high risk patients from a safe distant. A basket can be attached to the robot to allow medicines to be delivered to patients. This invention is another excellent solution for minimizing contact between patient and doctor to reduce the spread of Covid-19.

“Time Line Map” showing COVID-19 patients linkages to assist medical management

KKU Smart City Project works with the government and private sector, via using KKU Science Park to build technologies and innovations that will contribute to community.

The Time Line Map will support the government to manage to COVID-19 patients in the area and those returning to Khon Kaen.

Written by Miss Taksaporn Vongsa-Nga

Three more Associate Professors from our Faculty of Medicine, have been promoted to full professor status, in the latest announcement from the Office of the Prime Minister on June 15, 2021. They are:

1. Professor Songsak Kiatchoosakun, Department of Medicine
2. Professor Jintana Sattayasai, Department of Pharmacology
3. Professor Tipaya Ekalaksananan, Department of Medical Microbiology

The Faculty of Medicine warmly congratulates them on this great acknowledgment of their outstanding career achievements.

Written by Yada Lertkhajornsak

Edited by John Smith

The government’s nationwide Covid-19 vaccination rollout started on June 7, 2021 beginning with the first two priority registered groups; the elderly, and persons with any of seven underlying disease risks.

June 7, 2021 – Khon Kaen Province officially opened the Srinagarind Hospital Covid-19 Vaccination Center at Khon Kaen Hall, 5th Floor, Central Plaza Shopping Center, Khon Kaen.

Dr. Somsak Jungtrakoon, Khon Kaen Governor; Dr. Somchaichot Piyawatwela, M.D., Khon Kaen Provincial Public Health Office; Associate Professor Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., President of Khon Kaen University; Associate Professor Apichat Jirawutthipong, M.D., Dean of the Faculty of Medicine; and, Professor Songsak Kiatchusakul, M.D., Director of Srinagarind Hospital visited and oversaw the vaccination service.

Srinagarind Hospital, KKU-MD are following the national vaccination plan, with the first two priority registered groups: the elderly, and those with any of the following underlying diseases;

1. Severe Chronic Respiratory Diseases (CRDs)
2. Coronary artery disease (CAD)
3. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) (5th stage)
4. Stroke
5. Cancer patients receiving chemotherapy
6. Diabetes
7. Obesity (weight > 100 kg or BMI > 35 kg/m²).

The COVID-19 vaccines available in Thailand include:

• SinoVac vaccine, an inactivated vaccine recommended for the 18-59-year sage group.
• AstraZeneca vaccine, a viral vector vaccine recommended for those over 60 years.

The Srinagarind Hospital Covid-19 Vaccination Center initially plans to administer 1,500 shots per day and eventually up to 4,000 people daily.

Starting October 1, 2021, foreigners arriving in Thailand who have received both doses of a COVID-19 vaccine will not be required to quarantine if they are entering the 5 provinces: Phuket, Krabi, Phang Nga, Chiang Mai and Pattaya, Chonburi.  Starting January 1, 2022, foreigners arriving in Thailand will not need to quarantine as long as they are fully vaccinated.

Written by: Kanokphorn

Edited by: John Smith

We are excited to invite you to join the Joint-Institute Forum 4/2021 via ZOOM on the topic “Helminth vaccines: from pre-clinical concepts to human efficacy trials” by Professor Alex Loukas, Distinguished Professor Australian Institute of Tropical Health & Medicine, Centre for Molecular Therapeutics James Cook University, Cairns, Australia.

Date: 22 June 2021

Time: 09.30 AM (Bangkok Time)

Online by ZOOM

Join Zoom Meeting

https://kku-th.zoom.us/j/91510228967?pwd=Qy8vbmg2VWtzUUVPY0F1Yy9rbGlKZz09

Meeting ID: 915 1022 8967

Passcode: 694952

Or qr code

Register today

https://forms.gle/TBGg6J2eDLuPSY4P8

The Queen Sirikit Heart Center, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University was registered as an Autopsy Medicine Laboratory according to international standards ISO 15189: 2012 (Medical Laboratory) and ISO 15190: 2003 (Safety of Medical Laboratory) by the Bureau of Laboratory Standards, Department of Medical Sciences, Ministry of Health on May 3, 2021.

International standards ISO 15189: 2012 and ISO 15190: 2003 are laboratory safety standards, to ensure customer confidence and satisfaction in the services received. The standards focus on quality management to deliver quality laboratory results that are accurate, fast, timely, and beneficial for patient care.  The   laboratory will now become a reference laboratory for other agencies in the country as well.

International treatment standard JCI

The Queen Sirikit Heart Center, Northeastern Region focus is on providing medical services to both national and international service standards. The service is also expanding to meet the needs of foreign patients.   The quality of patient care has now been certified as of international standard by the Joint Commission International (JCI) in the United States from 2017 – 2023.

Written by Adisorn Tadsakorn

Edited by John Smith

Srinagarind Hospital pharmacies provide a wide  range of medications to hospital outpatients.  In some cases, these medications are only available from hospitals.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, hospital pharmacies can courier your hospital medications to your home free of charge. This will help you to avoid travel to the  hospital.

You can also continue to collect your medications from your usual hospital pharmacy in person.

Are there any exclusions?

Most, but not all, medications can be sent by post or courier. Some chemotherapeutic agents or psychotropic drugs cannot be delivered.

Options for getting your medication delivered:

1. Contact the hospital pharmacy via Line ID: @925lcmck, or,
2. Click the link https://lin.ee/MEu0QWX, or,
3. Scan the QR code below.

Available on workdays (Monday to Friday except public holidays), 08:30am – 15:00.

Written by Adisorn Tadsakorn