The United States Renal Data System (USRDS) 2020 report found that Thailand was among the top 5 countries with the highest incidence of kidney disease. The Department of Health under the Ministry of Public Health of Thailand has also stated that, as of today, there are approximately 11.6 million individuals suffering from chronic kidney disease in the country, with over 100,000 people requiring dialysis on a regular basis. This motivates Gulf Energy Development Public Company Limited (GULF) to take part in the mission to support the establishment of Thammasat University Hospital’s state-of-the-art Smart Hemodialysis Center with 30 high-efficiency dialysis machines, the largest collection in Thailand. The center aims to enable kidney disease patients’ access to high-efficiency on-line hemodiafiltration treatment which can eliminate large molecular wastes from the body that traditional dialysis method cannot achieve. This unique method helps minimize the risk of infection, thereby improving a patient’s quality of life and extending their lifespan. In turn, this contributes to improving the overall mortality rates of the country. Additionally, the center’s smart IT system is also enhanced with the ability to store patient’s data digitally, facilitating information transfer for further studies and medical researches. The center will also serve as an on-site teaching facility for medical and nursing students, as well as resident physicians specializing in nephrology. This is in line with GULF’s mission to promote public health and education, along with improving the quality of life of the people in the society.

Mr. Sarath Ratanavadi, Chief Executive Officer, GULF stated, “The funding seeks to establish this smart hemodialysis center as the center of excellence, providing high-quality care for patients with kidney disease and those undergoing kidney replacement therapy. This collaborative aligns with GULF’s business ethos, which persistently fosters sustainability across a wide range of business industries, while diligently advocates for the enhancement of life quality for individuals within our society whom we deem as our valued stakeholders. Throughout the years, GULF has dedicated itself to supporting youth, education, and public health. Driven by an ongoing commitment to improve access to public health services and elevate the quality of life for the Thai population, GULF is continually focused on initiatives that boost the overall productivity of the public health sector. As a result, GULF hopes that our consistent efforts in supporting Thailand’s healthcare system and our contribution to this advanced hemodialysis center will enhance the lives of patients battling with renal disease and serve as a lasting resource for the hospital and Thai communities in the long term.”

Professor Pharuhat Tor-Udom, M.D, Director, Thammasat University shared, “This smart hemodialysis center expands its patient care capabilities by equipping itself with 30 of the most efficient dialysis machines that can collectively serve 80-90 patients per day. Our primary focus is directed towards patients with end-stage chronic kidney disease who are in need of renal replacement therapy through the use of hemodialysis. Our services encompass comprehensive offerings, including chronic hemodialysis for both outpatients (OPD) and inpatients (IPD), along with special procedures for kidney disease patients such as the insertion of a dual-channel hemodialysis catheter for both temporary and permanent hemodialysis. We would like to express our gratitude to GULF for elevating Thammasat University Hospital’s capacity to aid patients with renal disease, thus affording the Thai population access to a more effective kidney disease treatment system.”

Professor Dr. Surapon Nitikraipoj, Chairman of the Executive Committee, Thammasat University Hospital explained, “The high-efficiency on-line hemodiafiltration treatment method, commonly used in Europe and the United States, is capable of removing large molecular wastes from the body that conventional dialysis cannot. Not only does this method reduce side effects, but it also extends the lifespan of patients with kidney disease. Additionally, the center is equipped with a system that can produce its own hemodialysis concentrate solution. This means that, unlike other centers, we can eliminate our reliance on gallon-sized packaged concentrated solutions, subsequently reducing our annual plastic wastes by more than 18 tons and improving the center’s proficiency in managing plastic wastes. We truly appreciate GULF’s contribution of THB 55 million to support the construction of this smart hemodialysis center.”

Associate Professor Kesinee Vitoonchart, Rector, Thammasat University added, “Beyond traditional classroom instruction, the center aims to function as a hands-on learning facility for medical and nursing students, as well as resident physicians specializing in nephrology. Students will have the opportunity to observe and learn patient care practices under close supervision of their professors on-site. Moreover, the center’s digitized system will store patient data, enabling further research into kidney disease for the development of more advanced treatment protocols, nursing care strategies, and finding long-term solutions to challenges associated with kidney disease.”

The Smart Hemodialysis Center, located on the 4th floor in Chuan Chuchart TEA7 building at Thammasat University Hospital, spans a total area of 900 square meters. The state-of-the-art center is equipped with high-efficiency dialysis machines integrated with smart IT systems, which empowers the work of healthcare professionals by leveraging the use of advanced technology. These machines can assess the dialysis methods during treatment, wherein the requisite fluid volume for each patient is calculated based on the patient’s weight and blood composition, concurrently taking into account their vital signs during the dialysis procedure and optimizing the treatment according to each patient’s real-time conditions.

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