Thai-Nepalese bilateral relations have reached a new milestone as the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital at Mahidol University in Thailand and Dhulikhel Hospital at Kathmandu University in Nepal celebrate the 15th anniversary of their esteemed partnership. This significant occasion underscores the enduring collaboration and mutual commitment to advancing healthcare standards in both countries. The deep-seated alliance began in 2008 when the Nepalese government sought Mahidol University's support in training physicians and medical personnel to enhance healthcare standards in Nepal.
To date, Mahidol University has engaged multiple faculties in this transformative mission, including the Faculty of Medicine, the Faculty of Nursing, the Faculty of Public Health, and the Faculty of Tropical Medicine. The Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital has played a key role by offering consultations on medical service development and sending medical instructors to share their expertise with professionals and students at Dhulikhel Hospital.
The Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital has welcomed practitioners from Dhulikhel Hospital for specialized clinical training in disciplines such as internal medicine, surgery, orthopedics, anesthesiology and otolaryngology. These training programs range from short-term courses (1-3 months) to long-term programs (1-3 years). Dhulikhel Hospital staff members are also presented with training opportunities in advanced medical laboratory techniques. Upon their return to Nepal, they successfully applied their practical expertise to launch laboratories with diagnostic capabilities that meet international standards.
This close-knit partnership has cultivated a skilled workforce for Dhulikhel Hospital, reinforcing its position as a leading medical institution and enriching services for Nepalese citizens. It has also empowered the hospital to nurture its own healthcare professionals, reducing reliance on overseas studies and building sustainable public health resilience for Nepal.
The benefits of this collaboration have been invaluable during crises. Following the 2015 Nepal earthquake, Mahidol University alumni at Dhulikhel Hospital played a crucial role as frontline personnel, providing medical assistance to over 1,000 victims. During the COVID-19 pandemic, three alumni from Mahidol University's faculties were actively involved in policy planning and execution, guiding Nepal through the health crisis.
In celebration of their 15-year partnership, the Nepalese government extended an invitation to Mahidol University to visit Dhulikhel Hospital on March 22-23, 2024. Representatives from Mahidol University attended morning conferences and observed operational activities in different departments of Dhulikhel Hospital, including the Department of Public Health and Community Programs and the Department of Internal Medicine. This visit facilitated mutual understanding and laid groundwork for future collaborations between the institutions.
Moving forward, Mahidol University and Kathmandu University remain steadfast in their commitment to advancing medical education and healthcare standards. Future collaborative initiatives will prioritize research on critical diseases such as dengue, scrub typhus, leptospirosis, and tuberculosis. Academic exchanges and professional training, including programs hosted by the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, will continue to be emphasized to enhance the capabilities of healthcare professionals and strengthen public health security across borders.
