BANGKOK, June 17, 2024 — In 2024, Thai-Nepalese bilateral relations reached a new milestone as the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital at Mahidol University in Thailand and Dhulikhel Hospital at Kathmandu University in Nepal celebrated the 15th anniversary of their esteemed partnership. This significant occasion highlights the enduring collaboration and shared commitment to advancing healthcare standards in both nations. This deep-seated alliance began in 2008 when the Nepalese government sought Mahidol University’s in training physicians and medical personnel, aiming to elevate healthcare standards in Nepal. z5h40
To date, Mahidol University has mobilized 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 contributes through various activities, providing consultation 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 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 proven invaluable during crises. In the aftermath of the 2015 Nepal earthquake, Mahidol University alumni at Dhulikhel Hospital served 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.
To commemorate 15 years of partnership, the Nepalese government invited Mahidol University to visit Dhulikhel Hospital on March 22-23, 2024. Representatives from Mahidol University participated in morning conferences and observed on-the-ground operations across various departments of Dhulikhel Hospital, including the Department of Public Health and Community Programs and the Department of Internal Medicine. This visit provided an opportunity for both sides to enhance their mutual understanding and plan for future collaborations.
Looking ahead, Mahidol University and Kathmandu University will continue to advance their shared commitment to medical education and healthcare excellence. Future t efforts will focus on research on critical diseases such as dengue, scrub typhus, leptospirosis, and tuberculosis. Academic exchanges and professional training, including courses hosted by the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, will remain a priority to further strengthen the capabilities of medical professionals and bolster public health security across borders.