Picture courtesy of Kaoded.

 

Authorities in Sa Kaeo Province have launched a health screening initiative aimed at assessing the physical and mental fitness of public transport drivers, in an effort to improve road safety and reduce the risk of health-related incidents.

 

The project was officially opened at the Sala Pansuk building of Somdet Phra Yuparat Sa Kaeo Hospital by Dr. Wittaya Homchun, Deputy Director for Primary Care Services at the hospital. The programme, part of the 2025 fiscal year plan, is being jointly organised by the hospital’s Occupational Medicine Clinic, the Sa Kaeo Provincial Transport Office, the local Social Security Office, and other relevant government agencies.

 

The aim is to screen 120 public transport drivers operating in Sa Kaeo Province. Health assessments will be carried out between 31 July and 19 August 2025, on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, from 08:30 to 16:30 at the hospital’s Occupational Medicine Clinic.

 

The medical evaluation includes screening for a range of conditions that could impair driving ability, including:

 

• Depression and psychiatric disorders

• Heart disease

• Uncontrolled epilepsy

• Vision and hearing impairments

• Uncontrolled diabetes

• Substance abuse (drug testing)

 

Examinations will be conducted by certified occupational medicine doctors and specialised nurses. Officials say the programme is a proactive step to minimise preventable incidents caused by undiagnosed or unmanaged health issues in public transport drivers, which can endanger passengers, fellow road users and property.

 

The project reflects a growing commitment among provincial authorities to prioritise public safety through medical oversight and cross-agency cooperation.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Kaoded 2025-08-02

 

 

 

 

This really should be the norm for all public service drivers throughout Thailand not just a local initiative!!