Highlights Radioactive Advantages of Siriraj's Medical Equipment
Modernized Medicine at Siriraj Hospital:
Siriraj Hospital is leading the charge for cutting-edge technology in interventional radiology, a minimally invasive approach to targeted treatments. This advanced technology is poised to drastically improve health outcomes, a message the hospital has stressed to the government.
Dr Yongyut Sirivatanauksorn, Siriraj Hospital's director, announced the establishment of the Siriraj Center of Interventional Radiology (SiCIR) in 2017. It now ranks as one of 19 Siriraj Medical Centers of Excellence. This emphasis on innovation promises a superior standard of medical care.
The technology, currently handling over 5,000 cases yearly, is expected to increase as Thailand's population ages. Sadly, the availability of this technology is limited in many hospitals due to a deficiency of interventional radiologists (IR) and insufficient equipment.
At Siriraj Hospital, this advanced technology is accessible to all patients, regardless of their insurance status, with some eligible for free treatment. Dr Yongyut laments the restricted availability in other hospitals and hopes to see this innovation expand further, particularly with SiCIR serving as a training center.
The minimally invasive procedure relies upon a specialized tool guided by imaging, ensuring a quicker recovery. Patients suffering from conditions such as stroke, cancer, or uterine artery embolism can all benefit from this procedure. Dr Somrach Thamtorawut, vice chairman of Siriraj Center of Interventional Radiology, notes there are only 140 IRs working in the nation, concentrated at seven centers.
Each year, approximately 15 doctors undergo training to become IRs, yet this figure falls short of the growing demand. Budget restrictions prevent many hospitals from acquiring the expensive machines needed for this technology.
"At the very least, we hope to have an IR team at our hospital center to offer superior medical care," Dr Somrach suggests.
Thailand's adoption of interventional radiology is on the rise, particularly at institutions like Siriraj Hospital. Institutional leaders, like Siriraj Hospital, are promoting events such as the Sicoe Forum to expand professional knowledge and collaboration in the field[2]. IR is being increasingly used for complex treatments, such as cancer care, in line with global trends towards minimally invasive methods[1][5].
While data on the number of practicing IR specialists in Thailand is limited, Sirirath Hospital's commitment to advancing IR suggests a goal of expanding local expertise[1]. Challenges exist in equitable resource distribution across regions, a recurring issue in emerging medical specialties. Engaging with Thai medical councils or institutions like Siriraj would offer a clearer perspective on workforce capacity.
- Siriraj Hospital's advanced technology in interventional radiology, a part of medical-conditions management, is anticipated to expand as technology continues to improve health and wellness.
- Dr Yongyut, Siriraj Hospital's director, emphasizes the need for more interventional radiologists (IRs) and adequate equipment to make this life-changing technology available in more hospitals.
- The Siriraj Center of Interventional Radiology (SiCIR), one of the Siriraj Medical Centers of Excellence, offers a training ground for aspiring IRs to better meet the growing demand for this technology.
- Irrespective of insurance status, patients at Siriraj Hospital can access this minimally invasive technology, which is beneficial for various medical conditions such as stroke, cancer, and uterine artery embolism, thereby contributing to the evolution of science and medicine.
