Health Japanese Organisation Donates Wheelchairs to Support Disabled

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of SiamRath.

 

A Japanese organisation has donated 100 wheelchairs through the “Flying Wheelchair Doraemon project” to support people with disabilities in Sakon Nakhon province.

 

The handover ceremony took place at the Phuritattto Meeting Room, 9th Floor, Accident and Emergency Building, Sakon Nakhon Hospital. Lieutenant Commander Dr. Kachon Sriyaayang, Deputy Director of Medical Services at Sakon Nakhon Hospital, represented the hospital in receiving the wheelchairs from representatives of NIHON SHAKAIFUKUSHI KOSAIKAI, along with volunteers from Japan and South Korea.

 

Dr. Kachon explained that the project, which began in 2023 in collaboration with the Sakon Nakhon Hospital and the Japanese organisation via the Sathai Foundation, is called the “Flying Wheelchair” project. While the wheelchairs are transported from Japan by sea, the name symbolises their mission: to help people with disabilities “fly” towards a better quality of life, gain independence in mobility and overcome limitations to access greater opportunities in life.

 

This year, the hospital has received an additional 100 wheelchairs, bringing the total number provided since 2023–2025 to 454. Previously, wheelchairs were distributed to seven neighbouring provinces: Nakhon Phanom, Nong Khai, Loei, Bueng Kan, Udon Thani, Nong Bua Lam Phu and Khon Kaen. The 100 units received this year will primarily be distributed to people with disabilities within Sakon Nakhon province, where the demand remains high.

 

In addition to the new wheelchairs, the project also includes repairing older wheelchairs to return them to service. Japanese volunteers provide technical training to students from Sakon Nakhon Technical College, Sakon Nakhon Vocational College and hospital technicians. This knowledge transfer is crucial for ensuring long-term maintenance without relying on overseas support, while also creating new job opportunities for the local community.

 

Looking ahead, Sakon Nakhon Hospital plans to expand this collaboration to other regional hospitals, aiming to benefit disabled people nationwide and develop a sustainable wheelchair maintenance system. Dr. Kachon expressed gratitude to the Japanese and Korean volunteers for their continued support, highlighting the project as a shining example of genuine international friendship. The hospital also encouraged the public to support disabled people in their communities, noting that a truly inclusive society is one in which everyone has equal opportunities.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from SiamRath 2025-08-27