The director of Tak Bai hospital in the insurgency-plagued Narathiwat province has been named outstanding rural doctor for 2016.
Somchai: Understands locals
Dr Somchai Srisombandit is the 43rd figure to have won the honour from Mahidol University's Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital. There were 10 nominations for the 2016 award.
The announcement was made by Dr Prasit Watanapa, dean of the faculty, at Siriraj Hospital yesterday.
Dr Prasit said Dr Somchai is a capable and leading figure for development. Even though he worked in a high-risk area, he honed his skills, applied technology to his work as well as prepared hospital executives for the task of caring for the underprivileged.
Dr Somchai, who has directed Tak Bai Hospital for 29 years, worked selflessly in the public interest as well as supporting others, according to Dr Prasit.
Dr Somchai said yesterday the award was unexpected. He added he not only worked for the hospital's administration, but also visited patients in their homes.
He said he upholds the late King's philosophy of understanding, accessibility and development in his work. This understanding could lead to correct development practices, he said.
The doctor said that to work effectively and productively in the far South, a doctor must try to understand locals, who are mostly Muslims, while also serving Buddhists in the area. The offer of medical services transcends religious beliefs, he said.
"A career in the public health service means good things are being done for residents," Dr Somchai said, adding the important priorities were to reach out to people and include them in development initiatives.
Dr Somchai said he gave his staff freedom to work so they would be able to learn the ropes themselves and be proud of what they can accomplish.
"I have been asked several times to move out of the area into a new position elsewhere, but I didn't go. This is because I am happy working here," Dr Somchai said.
Referring to younger doctors, Dr Somchai said they should be given extra pay if they work in risky areas so they can have some financial security.
Younger doctors face different situations in their lives compared to many of their senior colleagues who are already settled with work and have families in the deep South, he said