Thai Ministry of Public Health and Nursing Council Host 9th Sri Sangwan Award Ceremony

The Thai Ministry of Public Health, in collaboration with the Nursing Council, organized the "9th Sri Sangwan Award" ceremony from July 8-10, 2024, at the Miracle Grand Convention Hotel in Bangkok. Under the theme "Excellent Work, Outstanding Academics, Worthy of Value: Thai Nurses: White Warriors Fighting Crises in All Situations," the event aims to honor outstanding national nurses for 2024 and serve as a platform for academic knowledge exchange to elevate nursing service quality to international standards. Dr. Veerawut Imamsamran, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Health, who presided over the opening ceremony, congratulated the three recipients of the 2024 Sri Sangwan Award. These individuals are considered invaluable role models for the nursing profession: Professor Emeritus Dr. Akeau Unnalekha for Policy-Level Nursing Leadership, Mrs. Kannika Angkool for Nursing in Service Facilities, and Mrs. Busaba Kangla for Community Nursing. He emphasized that "health" is a fundamental right of the people, and the ministry's policy focuses on building an accessible, equitable, and sustainable healthcare service system. He specifically highlighted the importance of preparing for crises, including human resources, medical supplies, and the application of technologies like telemedicine to enhance timely patient care efficiency. Ms. Uraiporn Jantaoomao, Director of the Nursing Division, speaking on behalf of the Sri Sangwan Award Committee, reported on the objectives of the event. The Sri Sangwan Award, named after Her Royal Highness Princess Srinagarindra, the Princess Mother, is bestowed to honor and disseminate the good deeds and achievements of outstanding nurses. This conference specifically focused on "The Role of Thai Nurses in Responding to Crises and Emergencies," recognizing nurses as the crucial frontline in protecting the lives and health of the public during all crises, whether epidemics, natural disasters, border conflicts, or accidents. The conference brought together 360 professional nurses from both government and private sectors, including those affiliated with the Permanent Secretary's Office of the Ministry of Public Health, the Medical Department, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, universities, the four armed forces hospitals, and private hospitals. The event featured academic lectures and discussions by expert speakers from various institutions, such as the Medical Department, the Nursing Council, the Bureau of Public Health Academics, the Army Nursing College, and the Bureau of Emergency Public Health. A forum for oral presentations of academic and research work in nursing was also held, aiming to drive the development of nursing services and a sustainable healthcare system, with the ultimate goal of improving public health. On the same occasion, Dr. Teeraporn Sathiangul, First Vice President of the Nursing Council, delivered an honorary lecture on "Policy, Direction, and the Future of Thai Nurses: White Warriors Fighting Crises in All Situations." His lecture highlighted the challenges facing the nursing profession today, including epidemics, an aging society, natural disasters, climate change, workforce shortages, and the situation of unrest along the Thai border. He also proposed directions for developing the nursing workforce system, focusing on personnel production and retention, enhancing professional competencies, leadership skills, and the application of digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI). The goal is to create "strategic nurses" with expertise in patient care, management, and the design of future healthcare systems to cope with complex and rapidly evolving health crises. Source: INN News