Nonthaburi: The Prime Minister encourages “New Generation Village Health Volunteers” to become Smart Village Health Volunteers, using technology to connect communities.
According to Thai News Agency, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Anutin Charnvirakul, presided over the opening ceremony of the “VHV Connecting Technology to Communities” project for fiscal year 2026. The initiative aims to develop the potential of village health volunteers (VHVs) to enhance public health in the modern era. The event saw participation from Ms. Supamas Isaraphakdi, Minister to the Prime Minister’s Office, Mr. Pattana Promphat, Minister of Public Health, and other high-ranking officials, as well as over 10,000 participants, including village health volunteers.
Mr. Siripong Angkasakulkiat, spokesman for the Prime Minister’s Office, highlighted the Prime Minister’s enthusiasm for the project and his longstanding collaboration with VHVs. Charnvirakul emphasized the significance of the “VHV Connecting Technology to Communities” project in advancing the Thai public health system through enhanced technology integration.
Charnvirakul elaborated on the vital role of VHVs, referring to them as the “first doctors” of the community, and stressed the necessity for adapting health services to meet global standards. The initiative aims to transform VHVs into “Smart VHVs,” enhancing their capabilities to better serve the public.
Reflecting on the COVID-19 pandemic, the Prime Minister praised VHVs for their crucial role in navigating the crisis. He reiterated the government’s commitment to developing VHVs’ capacities, aligning with the policy of “Doctors Never Lag, People Never Wait, Connecting All Services Through Technology.” This policy seeks to leverage technology to provide efficient public health services.
The government also aims to empower VHVs as leaders of change, promoting health and hygiene to improve community life quality. The initiative focuses on preventive health measures, providing public health information, and offering vocational training to VHVs, enabling them to serve as medical assistants across traditional and modern practices.
Charnvirakul underscored the robustness of Thailand’s public health system, highlighting the pivotal role of VHVs in supporting the elderly and dependent populations. He emphasized their importance in disseminating knowledge and fostering national health security.
In concluding remarks, the Prime Minister expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Public Health and VHVs for their ongoing contributions to the Thai public health system. He launched the “VHV Connecting Technology to Communities” project for fiscal year 2026, aspiring for its success and the continued development of VHVs in the public health domain.