Khon Kaen University has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) to integrate healthcare data through the MOPH Digital Health Platform. The collaboration aims to develop an efficient digital health system that allows physicians seamless access to centralized medical data, enabling accurate treatment planning, reducing redundant procedures across healthcare facilities under the Ministry and the University, and ultimately ensuring that people receive timely and convenient medical services. All data sharing will strictly comply with the standards of Thailand’s Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA).
The signing ceremony was held on August 13, 2025, at Sarasin Meeting Room, 2nd Floor, Sirikunakorn Building, Khon Kaen University. The agreement was signed by Dr. Opart Karnkawinpong, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Health, and Assoc. Prof. Pattarapong Makarawate, M.D., MSc, FHRS, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, under the framework of “Healthcare Data Integration through the MOPH Digital Health Platform and the Data Sharing Agreement (DSA).” Witnesses included Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., President of Khon Kaen University; Dr. Ekachai Piensriwatchara, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Health, Inspector General of the Ministry of Public Health, Health Region 7; Dr. Pakee Sappipat, Public Health Supervisor, Health Region 7; Provincial Public Health Officers; Directors of regional and general hospitals in Health Region 7; administrators of the Faculty of Medicine; and Dr. Wijak Karnjanauthai, Director of the Bureau of Digital Health, Office of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Public Health.
In his address, Dr. Opart Karnkawinpong stated that the Ministry of Public Health is committed to upgrading Thailand’s healthcare services into the digital era. The MOPH Digital Health Platform has been developed to ensure people across all regions have equal access to services. He noted that similar MOUs have already been signed with Prince of Songkla University and Chiang Mai University, and this partnership with Khon Kaen University extends the initiative into the Northeast.
Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., President of Khon Kaen University, emphasized that the Faculty of Medicine at Khon Kaen University was founded to produce graduates and serve as a hub for health research. This agreement marks a significant step in the collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health to increase healthcare accessibility for people, particularly in the Northeastern region. He explained that the integration of health data will enable doctors to make precise diagnoses and treatment plans, reduce redundant procedures, and ensure patient data is protected under PDPA regulations.
This collaboration not only enhances the quality of medical services but also establishes a foundation for future innovations, research, and the continued development of Thailand’s digital health system.
