Bangkok, September 28, 2023 - FUJIFILM (Thailand) Ltd., a pioneer in delivering total healthcare solutions, and The Princess Mother's Medical Volunteer Foundation (PMMV) are reaffirming a successful alliance that has brought transformative healthcare solutions to the most isolated corners of Thailand. Recently, as the PMMV embarked on its Mobile Medical Mission in the mountainous Omkoi district of Chiang Mai during 20-25 August the mobile medical volunteers were equipped with Fujifilm's portable ultrasound systems and X-ray unit. This advanced technology enabled them to provide medical care to a larger number of patients in these challenging-to-reach areas, contributing to the establishment of a more sustainable and healthier world. This enduring partnership is committed to creating a sustainable future and making a positive social impact.
Driving better health for all, Fujifilm has an unwavering commitment to extending healthcare to those who need it most, in line with its philosophy of using cutting-edge technology to uplift communities and ensure that healthcare is accessible to all. Fujifilm's relationship with PMMV is based on a mutual commitment to reduce healthcare disparities between urban centers and remote regions. Fujifilm has consistently supported PMMV's noble efforts through both financial donations and state-of-the-art medical equipment. In June 2023, FUJIFILM (Thailand) organized the “NEVER STOP Running 2023” charity run event and donated all the proceeds, totaling 587,800 Thai Baht, to support the healthcare efforts of the organization.
Fujifilm has established its CSR plan, Sustainable Value Plan 2030 (SVP2030), setting targets for the fiscal year 2030 to anchor the company’s strategies for sustainable growth. This plan emphasizes addressing societal issues through business endeavors, such as launching pioneering technologies, products, and services, with the aspiration of making a substantial contribution to a sustainable society.
Earlier this year 8 March, the company also donated portable ultrasound systems and X-ray unit with a total value of 5,600,000 Baht to PMMV to support PMMV’s medical volunteers in their missions to provide healthcare services for those living in rural areas with inadequate access to healthcare. The donated equipment allows medical workers to treat more patients in hard-to-reach areas.
During its poignant mobile medical outreach to the remote and mountainous Omkoi district in Chiang Mai Province, PMMV brought along Fujifilm's portable X-ray unit known as the "FDR Xair" and the portable ultrasound systems called "Sonosite M-Turbo." Weighing a mere 3.5 kilograms, the FDR Xair is both lightweight and user-friendly, making it an ideal choice for delivering healthcare outside traditional hospital settings, especially in remote areas. The portable ultrasound systems, Sonosite M-Turbo, are engineered to prioritize portability and durability, ensuring they can withstand the demands of medical missions like this one,” expresses Mr.So Maruo, Managing Director of FUJIFILM (Thailand) Ltd. “It is an honor to have our equipment play a vital role in such a crucial medical mission. We are confident that these tools facilitate faster and more precise diagnoses, ensuring that patients receive timely and effective care.”
The recent mission to Omkoi illuminated the challenges and triumphs of delivering healthcare in remote locations. The Omkoi District poses unique challenges as the majority of its residents live in high-altitude villages, isolated by steep and often treacherous terrains. In a massive effort to extend healthcare services to this underserved population, the medical units provided medical care to over 1,312 patients. The families were spread across several communities, including Ban Mor Kee, Ban Tee Tor Ta, Ban Olo Kee, and Ban Tee Ler Per Kee. Since the first visit of PMMV’s mobile medical unit, the volunteers have provided medical services for more than 50,000 patients in remote areas.
“On this recent mission, a diverse PMMV medical team, comprising specialists such as ophthalmologists, gynecologists, internal medicine doctors, orthopedists, and dentists, among others, attended to the wide array of health issues common to the district. To enhance the scope and quality of medical services, Fujifilm provided us with key medical equipment: the ultrasound systems, which is invaluable for prenatal care, and the X-ray unit, crucial for diagnosing bone fractures and other internal issues. Despite rugged terrain and limited accessibility, PMMV volunteers were able to provide critical medical services to several communities. The right medical equipment can make a big difference, empowering the volunteers to bring quality healthcare where it's most needed," said Pisanu Maneechot, M.D., Deputy Secretary-General of the Princess Mother’s Medical Volunteer Foundation (PMMV).
Fujifilm's all-encompassing healthcare offerings demonstrate its steadfast dedication to improving lives and cultivating a healthier community through innovative technology and holistic healthcare services. “In line with our SVP2030, our long-term commitment to transformative healthcare solutions will continue to address healthcare access disparities for marginalized communities in remote and underserved areas through partnerships with social and health organizations. Fujifilm plans to further invest in technologies designed to meet the needs of mobile healthcare, while remaining dedicated to supporting the generous initiatives of organizations like PMMV,” adds Mr. So Maruo.
How You Can Help
Fujifilm extends a warm invitation for others to join in contributing to a healthier world. For individuals who aspire to contribute to this ongoing endeavor aimed at equalizing healthcare access in Thailand, donations can be made through PMMV's official channels at https://www.pmmv.or.th/donate.php. Each donation represents a meaningful step toward achieving better health for all, bringing essential medical services to those who would otherwise go without.