H.E. Ms. Nipa Nirannoot, Ambassador-Designate of Thailand to Senegal, led a delegation of seven medical doctors and hospital executives from public hospitals in various parts of Senegal, including Dakar, Mbour, Saint-Louis, Touba, Fatick, and Rufisque, on a visit to Thailand from 7–11 September 2026 to strengthen Thailand–Senegal cooperation in public health under the Hospital Management Capacity Building in Thailand programme.

The programme included training at leading Thai medical institutions, namely Rajavithi Hospital, Lerdsin Hospital, Sai Noi Hospital, and Bamrasnaradura Infectious Diseases Institute. The Senegalese delegation had the opportunity to learn about Thailand’s public health policies, hospital management approaches, and best practices in the efficient use of healthcare resources. The programme also featured a study visit on management practices at the National Blood Centre of the Thai Red Cross Society, as well as discussions on opportunities for medical personnel exchanges and internships with the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital. In addition, the delegation attended presentations on medical and public health innovations in Thailand by Siriraj Hospital and the National Innovation Agency (NIA), with a view to exploring their potential adaptation to the African context.

On the first day of the programme, the opening ceremony of the Hospital Management Capacity Building in Thailand programme was held at Rajavithi Hospital in Bangkok. The ceremony was honoured by the presence of Dr. Nutthapong Wongwiwat, Director-General of the Department of Medical Services (DMS), and Mr. Chulvat Narinthrangura na Ayudhya, Director-General of the Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA), who delivered opening remarks. Dr. Chinda Rojanamethin, Director of Rajavithi Hospital; Piyathida Hansomburana, Director of the Medical Technical Division; executives of the Department of Medical Services; and executives of Rajavithi Hospital also welcomed the delegation.

On this occasion, the Ambassador-Designate delivered opening remarks, reaffirming the Royal Thai Government’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with African countries under the Thailand–Africa Initiative, particularly Thailand–Senegal development cooperation in the areas of medicine, public health, and human resource development through the exchange of knowledge and experience in health system management.

For more than 21 years, the Royal Thai Embassy in Dakar has worked closely with public hospitals in various regions of Senegal through mobile medical missions, providing free medical consultations, treatment, and health advice to people in remote areas across the country. To date, the missions have provided medical consultations to more than 10,000 people and ENT (ear, nose and throat) examinations and treatment to more than 1,000 patients. In 2026 alone, the Embassy has organized 10 mobile medical missions, reflecting the continuity and strong commitment of both sides to enhancing access to healthcare services for the people of Senegal.

The visit of the Senegalese medical delegation to Thailand marks another important milestone in Thailand–Senegal health cooperation. Building upon the longstanding focus on direct medical services, the cooperation is now expanding towards the practical exchange of knowledge and capacity building for healthcare personnel. This initiative contributes to the development of healthcare systems and human resources, with the aim of creating sustainable benefits for the peoples of both countries.

*Photo courtesy of Rajavithi Hospital, Department of Medical Services.