AstraZeneca (Thailand) Ltd., in collaboration with the public and private sectors, academia, and patient networks, has officially launched “A.Catalyst Network Thailand Hub.” This global health innovation network aims to synergize cross-sector potential by leveraging artificial intelligent technology and digital solutions to advance proactive healthcare. The A.Catalyst Network Thailand Hub’s Honorable Advisors comprises experts from diverse fields dedicated to driving innovation for a sustainable healthcare future.
Mr. Pattana Promphat, Minister of Public Health, stated during the launch of “A.Catalyst Network Thailand Hub,” “The Minister of Public Health is committed to coordinating collaboration across all sectors to enhance the Universal Coverage scheme and the management of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), in order to build a strong primary healthcare system capable of addressing the wide-ranging challenges facing Thailand’s public health. These include an ageing society; the growing burden of NCDs such as kidney disease, cancer, and respiratory illnesses; as well as air and environmental pollution. Achieving these goals requires multi-sector cooperation and the use of modern technologies—especially AI and digital innovation—to improve the efficiency of healthcare delivery. The launch of A.Catalyst Network Thailand Hub is therefore of the utmost importance; it represents a pivotal partnership in creating long-term, sustainable health innovation. Furthermore, this initiative serves as a formal declaration of intent: Thailand is ready to advance toward a healthcare system that is stronger, smarter, and more equitable, delivering transformative benefits for every citizen while positioning Thailand as a regional leader in healthcare innovation.”
Mr. Roman Ramos, Country President of AstraZeneca Thailand and Frontier Markets, stated, “AstraZeneca, as a trusted health partner of Thailand for more than 40 years, recognizes the country’s strong readiness in terms of policy, infrastructure, and high-quality personnel. Therefore, we have introduced the A.Catalyst Network Thailand Hub as a health innovation hub that connects the public sector, private sector, academic institutions, experts, patient networks, and Thai startups in order to accelerate the adoption of AI-driven innovation to improve patient outcomes.”
A Global Network for Thai Health Innovators
A.Catalyst Network Thailand is an integral part of AstraZeneca’s global health innovation network, which currently operates across more than 20 countries spanning the Americas, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Oceania. Its primary mission is to accelerate the development of healthcare innovation, including AI-driven solutions, by leveraging global insights and best practices from A.Catalyst Network initiatives worldwide to deliver tangible and measurable improvements in patient outcomes. These programs are specifically designed to address critical health challenges, including non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as chronic kidney disease; respiratory conditions, cancer, which remains one of the leading causes of death in Thailand; and rare diseases that affect relatively small patient populations but are often associated with high clinical severity.
Furthermore, A.Catalyst Network Thailand Hub aims to empower Thai health-tech startups to develop innovation healthcare and technologies, enabling them to compete on the global stage and expand into international markets through strategic partnerships, investment opportunities, and global knowledge exchange.
Multidisciplinary Honorable Advisors for Sustainable Healthcare
A.Catalyst Network Thailand Hub has invited experts from a range of sectors to join its Honorable Advisors. This body is tasked with providing strategic direction, forging genuine multi-sector collaboration, and driving the practical adoption of innovation and AI technologies. It will also play a vital role in public engagement and trust-building, thereby enhancing future opportunities and strengthening the network’s collaborative ecosystem.
The Honorable Advisors include distinguished members such as:
- Emeritus Dr. Somsak Lolekha – Royal College of Pediatricians of Thailand
- Yuthasak Supasorn – Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT)
- Dr. Apichat Asavamongkolkul – Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University
- Prof. Dr. Pharm. Vorasit Vongsutilers– Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University
- Thavirap Tantiwongse – Institute for Technology and Innovation Management, Mahidol University
- Jittiporn Thammajinda – Technology and Innovation in Life Sciences National Agency (Public Organization) – TILSNA
- Suchana Sinthavathavorn – Digital Economy Promotion Agency (Public Organization) depa
- Thanakrit Chintavoarn – Big Data Institute (Public Organization) – BDI
- Orajitt Bumrungskulswat – International Alliance of Patients’ Organizations – IAPO
- Tanapol Dokkaew – Health Rights Citizen Network
- Chatchawalit Dhammasaroj – Vibul Aryuravej Foundation
- Paramate Nisagornsen – Siam Cement Group
- Sarinra Wongsuppaluk – True Corporation PCL
- Pimpawa Srisomwong – PTT Global Chemical PCL
- Piyawat Techapatimanond – Successo Internazionale Co., Ltd.
Integrated Collaboration: Boosting Workforce Wellness
A key initiative already underway is the “Health and Well-being Enhancement Program for Workers in Industrial Estates.” AstraZeneca has partnered with the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT) under the Ministry of Industry, as well as the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare (DLPW) and the Social Security Office (SSO) under the Ministry of Labour, to launch the “Lung Screening with AI Innovation” campaign. This program provides mobile AI-assisted chest X-ray services in addition to expert-led lung health talks. The initiative is being piloted across four provinces, Sa Kaeo, Rayong, Chonburi, and Chachoengsao, covering a total of 5,000 workers. Central to this effort is the Inspectra CXR innovation from Perceptra, a Thai health-tech startup. This AI-driven solution analyzes chest X-rays to assess the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and detect up to eight types of lung abnormalities, with an accuracy rate of 98.9%. By delivering rapid results, the technology reduces physician diagnostic time by 70%, significantly enhancing the efficiency of early-stage detection.
Digital Medical Innovation: The Engine for a Healthy Thai Society
At the official launch event of A.Catalyst Network Thailand, Prof. Dr. Prasit Wattanapa, Chairman of the Technology and Innovation in Life Sciences National Agency (Public Organization), delivered a keynote address titled “Digital Medical Innovation: A Driving Force for a Healthy Thai Society on the Global Stage.” He emphasized the importance of building a strong, sustainable health innovation ecosystem in Thailand through close collaboration among the public and private sectors and health-tech startups. Such partnerships will help drive the development and adoption of advanced medical innovations and technologies, including AI-powered diagnostics and high-precision digital tools. These advancements form a critical foundation for promoting proactive healthcare, enhancing treatment quality, easing the burden on hospital systems, and expanding access to healthcare services across the country. Ultimately, these efforts are expected to improve the quality of life for Thais while positioning Thailand’s medical technologies for greater international recognition.
In addition, Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, Chairman of the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT), presented a keynote titled “Health is Wealth: The Power of Health Innovation for Sustainable Economic Growth.” He underscored the importance of the Thai workforce as a primary engine of the national economy. Strengthening workforce healthcare, therefore, is essential to maintain national competitiveness and serves as the fundamental pillar of the country’s long-term economic prosperity.
Mr. Roman Ramos, concluded, “We aim to continuously introduce new projects under the A.Catalyst Network Thailand Hub to transform healthcare – from prevention and diagnosis to treatment – for non-communicable diseases, chronic kidney disease, respiratory diseases, cancer, and rare diseases. By leveraging AI innovations developed by Thais, for Thais, we seek to drive a sustainable national health system. The A.Catalyst Network and our Honorable Advisors stand ready to listen to feedback and collaborate with all sectors to build better health for the people of Thailand together.”
