Two Thai doctors, Dr Prakit Vathesatogkit and Dr Paisan Ruamviboonsuk, have been recognized by the Ministry’s spokesperson, Dr Rungrueng Kitphatfor, their contributions to the nation’s health sector during a meeting on January 29, 2022.
Dr Prakit Vathesatogkit is the executive secretary of the Action on Smoking and Health Foundation and a multi-award-winning doctor. He has made significant contributions to the country’s public health sector and is largely credited for accomplishments such as initiating the smoking ban in public areas. He will be awarded the Dr Lee Jong-wook Memorial Prize for Public Health.
Dr Paisan Ruamviboonsuk, an ophthalmologist at Rajavithi Hospitalwho specializes in retina/vitreous treatment, will be presented The Sasakawa Health Prize. DrPaisan developed a method for detecting blindness through retina photos. Additionally, he initiated a project to train health volunteers working in remote areas to detect retinal diseases.
The Ministry of Public Health is now able to provide free examinations and treatment to diabetic patients with visual impairments resulting in a significantly reduced number of patients with such conditions. The awards will be presented during the 75th World Health Assembly in May 2022. (NNT)
