Chulalongkorn University Health Service Center provides preventative healthcare under the concept “Chamchuri Health City”, following the university’s policy on wellbeing on the 60th anniversary of the Health Center. On 21 December 2020, the centre launched the “Digital X-Ray Room” (CUHC General Digital X-Ray 2020), which offers diagnostic radiology services for various diseases to members of the Chula Community.
The Chulalongkorn University President presided over the opening ceremony. In the opening speech, he stated that X-ray machines are the heart of diagnosis and the Digital X-ray room at the Chulalongkorn University Health Service Center will help provide efficient and self-reliant health services to Chulalongkorn students and personnel.
Chulalongkorn University Health Service Center also has a network connection to Chulalongkorn Hospital and nearby hospitals. This will make Chulalongkorn University Health Service Center a model for medical care for other agencies and will help expand services to the general public in the future.
The Director of the Chulalongkorn Health Center revealed that the Chulalongkorn University Health Service Center started as Chulalongkorn Health Unit, established 63 years ago in 1959. The centre never had an X-Ray machine and when patients required an X-ray or were in an accident, they had to be transferred to a hospital. The process was time-consuming and complicated and so plans for the Digital X-ray Room were drawn up.
The CUHC General Digital X-Ray 2020 project has the world-class Phillip Digital Diagnost C90, which is the latest model and the first to be imported into Thailand. It is certified by the Department of Medical Sciences and will be used for medical examinations, lung x-rays, and medical certificates for renewal of government tenure.
A Lecturer at the Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and radiology expert said that the x-ray machine can take high-resolution images and help with the diagnostics of various organs, such as the lungs and abdomen, and bone and joint diseases inflicting the spine, knee joints, and skull.
The digital X-ray images will be transferred to a monitor so that radiologists can read the images and interpret them immediately in just a few seconds.
Chulalongkorn University dedicates itself to support the health and well-being of its personnel and students, aiming for a vigorous, healthy, and happy life on campus. Stepping up to this task is the Chulalongkorn University Health Service Center. Located at Chamchuri 9 Building, the centre provides comprehensive medical services, including preliminary care, 11 specialized clinics, dental care, physical therapy room, preventative care, physical recovery, as well as a 24-hr ambulance service for emergencies.
The digital x-ray room is now open to faculty members, staff, students, as well as residents in the Chula neighbourhood.
The value of x-ray machines has not gone unnoticed in Thailand. In late 2019, the Thai Customs Department had plans to install 23 X-ray machines at Thailand’s main international airport. The Customs Director-General stated that X-ray machine installation above the baggage carousels at Suvarnabhumi International Airport is aimed at improving the efficiency of security checks of luggage of inbound passengers and to prevent goods smuggling.
The machines improve the security check of luggage transported from inbound planes before the passengers can claim them. Previously, the Thai customs resorts to random check method by human staff this resulted in smuggled goods slipping through on occasion.
It was noted that the x-ray machines, customs officials can immediately see what is in the luggage and immediately prompt the passengers to pay the Customs duty before leaving the airport. The X-ray machines at Suvarnabhumi International Airport help with tax collection as well as prevent the smuggling of sensitive goods into the country, such as agricultural products, palm oil, fuel oil and drugs.