Picture courtesy of Sattahip News

 

The Royal Thai Navy has achieved national acclaim beyond its traditional role of maritime defence, earning a prestigious Public Sector Innovation Award for 2025 from the Office of the Public Sector Development Commission (OPDC) for its cutting-edge medical advancement: the SmartMed Infusion System.

 

Developed by the Naval Medical Department, this intelligent chemotherapy drug delivery system is hailed as a major leap forward in cancer treatment, particularly in procedures involving Transarterial Chemoembolisation (TACE) for liver cancer patients.

 

The SmartMed Infusion System stands out for its:

 

• Fully automated chemotherapy administration,

• Enhanced safety and precision, significantly reducing human error,

• Minimal contact with hazardous drugs for medical personnel, and

• Successful implementation in real surgical environments.

 

This medical innovation is the result of tireless collaboration by a multidisciplinary team, spearheaded by Captain Dr Tharengkiat Jamulitrat, Head of Radiology at Somdej Phra Pinklao Hospital and Ms Salinda Kitiboonya, a radiologic technologist, alongside a team of expert engineers. Their work represents a beacon of hope for patients and healthcare providers alike.

 

Support and collaboration from the Taiwanese government also played a key role in realising this innovation, underscoring the importance of international cooperation in advancing global healthcare.

 

The SmartMed Infusion System exemplifies the Royal Thai Navy’s evolving mission, no longer limited to safeguarding the nation’s waters, but also leading in medical innovation for the benefit of all Thais. This achievement reflects a bold vision to elevate Thailand’s healthcare system to international standards and ensure safer, more effective treatments for critical conditions like cancer.

 

The public is encouraged to share in this national pride and offer support to the Royal Thai Navy’s continued contributions on both the battlefield and in the battle for better health.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Sattahip News 2025-06-12

 

 

 

Looks like they gave themselves an award for developing something that already exists.