On June 3–5, 2025, Mahidol University, in collaboration with the Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA), the Royal Thai Embassy in Wellington, and the Mahidol University Foundation under Royal Patronage, conducted a high-level medical diplomacy mission to the Independent State of Samoa. The delegation was led by Professor PiyamitrSritara, MD, FRCP, President of Mahidol University, along with His Excellency Mr. Worawoot Phuapinya, Ambassador of Thailand to Wellington, Associate Professor Nopraenue Sajjarax Dhirathiti, Ph.D., Vice President for Global Partnerships and University Council at Mahidol University, and a team from the Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University.
During the visit, the delegation paid a courtesy call to H.E. Fiame Naomi Mata’afa, Prime Minister of Samoa, and Hon. Valasi Luapitofanua Toogamaga Tafito Selesele, Minister of Health, to discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation in health and medical care under the framework of medical diplomacy. These discussions, supported by the Royal Thai Embassy in Wellington and TICA, reflect Thailand’s strong commitment to international health development.
The medical team from Ramathibodi Hospital collaborated with local staff at Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital to provide a range of specialized services. These included consultations for approximately 70 cardiology cases; surgeries for cleft lips, cholecystectomy, hand procedures, and over 10 eye surgeries; as well as urological treatments such as kidney stones, ureter and bladder conditions, abscess drainage, balloon dilation, and more than 10TURP cases. The team will continue their work for an additional two weeks, with a projected total of more than 30 urology cases and over 200 patients served during this mission.
Samoan healthcare professionals expressed a strong interest in upskilling, especially in managing complex surgical cases. In response, Mahidol University and its partners proposed a long-term capacity-building program including annual site visits focusing on surgery and urology; skill upgrade programs in general, plastic, and urological surgery; onsite training opportunities in Thailand scheduled from May to October 2025; and a follow-up visit by Dr. Martin in January 2026. Additional support will be offered through online training modules in allied health fields such as physical therapy, nursing, and palliative care, as well as teleconsultations in cardiology, surgery, pathology, and AI-powered radiology.
Furthermore, discussions explored collaborative research opportunities on obesity and diabetes, significant health concerns in Samoa due to strong genetic predispositions in the population.
This partnership underscores Mahidol University’s ongoing commitment to advancing global health, developing sustainable medical systems, and strengthening international collaboration through education, service, and innovation.
