The Public Health Ministry, in collaboration with the Digital Economy and Society Ministry, has set up a convenient, efficient link between Umphang Hospital and the larger, better-equipped Mae Sot Hospital.

The network can handle fast data transmission, enabling doctors at the two hospitals to exchange their views and improve patient services.

“Visual and audio quality is high. Doctors at the other end of the communications channel can see patients clearly,” Public Health Minister Piyasakol Sakolsatayadorn said yesterday.

This scheme is designed to reduce stress on junior doctors who may feel they are left alone during their posting to small hospitals in remote areas.

Telemedicine directly benefits patients and big hospitals will face less overcrowding as patients can receive help from experts at a hospital closer to their home.

The initiative is being implemented first at the Mae Sot and Umphang hospitals and is expected to be expanded to other border hospitals.