On 7 - 8 December 2017, the School of Health Science in association with the School of Nursing, the Physical Therapy Association of Thailand, the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine, the Sports Authority of Thailand, the Council of Community-Public Health, organized “the 1st National Conference on Health Science Research and Innovation: Knowledge Transformation towards Thailand 4.0”
According to Dean of the School of Health Science Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rachanee Sunsernthis, the aim of this conference was to provide a venue for researchers, students, and the health science profession across the nation to present their latest research advances and share their knowledge and research experience. In addition, this forum sought to strengthen the network of the health science profession and foster collaboration between the government and the public sector. The possible cooperation will enhance the development of high-quality research, the profession’s work efficiency and health care services.
In the opening ceremony, MFU President, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vanchai Sirichana remarked that this conference served as the stage for experts in each field of health science to share and exchange their knowledge and research outcomes. As the country is moving toward Thailand 4.0, the transformation of the knowledge into practice (research to application) is very important. Furthermore, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vanchai expected that the workshop would be very beneficial and valuable for everyone in attendance.
For oral and poster presentations, there were 184 papers in four categories: complementary and alternative medicine, movement sciences and therapy, public health and nursing sciences, and health innovation which will foster developments in future health care systems.
In addition, the conference brought in over 250 participants and many distinguished speakers. In the special lecture on “the importance and role of health in the sustainable development goals” by Technical Officer of WHO Regional office, Dr. Liviu Vedrasco, there were six main ways of working towards building a better and stronger health system including intersectional action by multiple stakeholders, health systems for universal health coverage, equity and human rights, sustainable financing, scientific research and innovation, and monitoring and evaluation.
Moreover, there was a panel discussion on “Directions supporting health innovations for moving towards Thailand 4.0” by the President of the Physical Therapy Association of Thailand, Mr. Preecha Asawakosinchai, PT.; Director of the National Herbal Medicine Policy Office at the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine, Mr. Wattanasak Sornrung; the Governor of the Sports Authority of Thailand, Mr. Sakol Wannapong; Vice President of the Council of Community-Public Health, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wittaya Yusook and Dean of the School of Nursing, Assoc. Prof. Supranee Athaseri. In the discussion, representatives of each institute explained that they have set the policy for developing the good human resources and promoting the employment and economic growth for the good wealth of the nation. One additional policy is technology application to enhance the production of high value herbal products, strengthen the efficiency of health care system and make the health services more accessible to the public. These comprehensive preparations will make Thailand ready to achieve the goals of good health and prosperity.
Altogether, the conference and all researchers' active participation in the knowledge sharing section emphasized that MFU and related organizations have put health at the top of the table to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for people of all ages brackets.
