Advanced Info Service (AIS), the country's leading mobile operator, is providing a 5G network to support telemedicine solutions to Chulabhorn Hospital as part of a campaign to use the ultra-fast mobile broadband network to combat the coronavirus outbreak.
AIS announced the cooperation with Chulabhorn Royal Academy yesterday.
The company aims to turn Chulabhorn Hospital into the first Thai treatment hospital that integrates 5G tech into all dimensions of medical services.
AIS also disclosed every province nationwide has had 5G network coverage since April 13, less than two months after commercial 5G services were kicked off on Feb 21.
AIS chief executive Somchai Lertsutiwong said yesterday 5G use cases have popped up during that time, especially for telemedicine.
In March, AIS began its mission to use 5G network support in medical work for the fight against the pandemic.
The operator has distributed 18 5G-enabled robots that can assist medical personnel in providing care for coronavirus patients to 17 hospitals.
"We are accelerating the development and delivery of a total of 23 units to 22 hospitals by May," said Mr Somchai.
According to him, Chulabhorn Hospital is setting the stage to serve as the prototype for full medical care service with 5G technology.
"AIS is honoured to be trusted by the Chulabhorn Royal Academy to bring 5G technology to enhance care for patients on a full scale, as well as 5G total telemedicine solutions used for various tasks around the hospital," he said.
The company supports the development of Thailand's first artificial intelligence processing system on the 5G network for CT scans of lungs, said Mr Somchai. The move is meant to enhance diagnoses, making them several times faster and more accurate.
Scan results could require as little as 30 seconds of wait time.
The distribution of 5G robots tending to patients also means medical personnel can avoid direct contact with the patients, reducing the chance of infection.
The company also supports applications helping patients communicate with doctors via teleconsulting, Mr Somchai said. The technology can help screen patients who need services at hospitals and reduce the burden on medical personnel in accessing the public.
