Aiming to elevate patient care standards, enhance medical networks, and support medical innovations, this initiative addresses the silent threat of heart failure sustainably.
Amidst the rising prevalence of heart failure, the Heart Association of Thailand under Royal Patronage, in partnership with the Ministry of Public Health's Heart Disease Service Plan and AstraZeneca Thailand, announces the launch of the "Collaborative Excellence in Heart Failure Management" initiative. This collaborative effort seeks to establish a systematic approach to heart failure treatment, enhance standard of care, and support healthcare professionals by establishing a strong nationwide healthcare network, aiming to reduce mortality rates, economic impact, and ultimately enhance Thailand’s public health infrastructure.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Dr. Kasem Ratanasumawong, President of the Heart Association of Thailand under Royal Patronage, remarked, “Heart disease stands as the leading global killer, claiming over 20.5 million lives annually due to cardiac and vascular conditions. Approximately 85% of these are attributed to heart failure and stroke. With a mortality rate reaching close to 50% within five years of diagnosis, Asian patients often face heart failure nearly a decade earlier than their Western counterparts, underscoring the urgent need for action in Asia. Beyond mortality, heart diseases significantly contribute to disability globally.
Heart disease is a significant public health concern, demanding unified action across all sectors to create effective, long-term prevention and care strategies. Timely and accurate diagnosis, combined with early interventions, is essential for effectively managing disease severity. The Heart Association of Thailand is honored to join forces with the Ministry of Public Health's Heart Disease Service Plan and AstraZeneca Thailand to launch the "Collaborative Excellence in Heart Failure Management" initiative. This project aims to strategically enhance diagnostic and treatment standards for heart failure patients by implementing effective performance metrics. It seeks to reduce hospital admissions and mortality rates from acute heart failure, starting with training sessions across four health regions in Bangkok—Regions 1, 6, 7, and 11—by the end of 2025, with plans for national expansion.”
Dr. Sittiluck Wongwantanee, Deputy Director of the Health Service Administration Division, Office of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Public Health, said, “In Thailand, cardiovascular diseases account for over 250,000 cases and nearly 40,000 lives lost annually, equating to approximately five deaths per hour. Despite these alarming figures, the Ministry of Public Health remains committed to enhancing public health efforts, focusing on continuous monitoring and prevention. This includes developing educational resources, structuring health policy and hospital treatments, and providing urgent access to emergency services via the 1669 hotline.
The urgency of addressing heart disease is critical, impacting not only individual patients but also the broader healthcare infrastructure and national economy. Thus, this partnership represents a pivotal advance in public health. It seeks to elevate cardiovascular healthcare standards sustainably while aligning with national goals to strengthen Thailand’s healthcare system, ensuring it is stable, resilient, and accessible to everyone.”
Mr. Roman Ramos, President of AstraZeneca Thailand and Frontier Markets, noted, “AstraZeneca is honoured to be a collaborative partner, fulfilling our commitment to support the well-being of the Thai population. By working closely with our partners, we aim to provide resources and advance healthcare professional capabilities through academic training, ultimately improving the quality of life for heart failure patients and reinforcing the sustainability of Thailand's healthcare system."
The event also hosted a seminar featuring cardiology experts, led by Prof. Dr. Samonporn Bunyarattavech Songmuang, Vice President of the Heart Association of Thailand under the Royal Patronage, Prof. Dr. Rungroj Krittayaphong, President of the Heart Failure Council of Thailand, Dr. Sittiluck Wongwantanee, Deputy Director of the Health Service Administration Division, Office of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Public Health, and Dr. Orawan Anupraiwan, Deputy Director of Medical Affairs, Central Chest Institute of Thailand, Department of Medical Services. Discussions focused on heart failure management and patient care under the theme ‘Act on Heart Failure: Moving Forward with Holistic Heart Failure Management in Thailand’, addressing commonly found symptoms, the risks of complications leading to acute heart failure, high-risk groups, and disease prevention strategies that begin at home.
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About AstraZeneca
AstraZeneca (Securities abbreviation, AZN on LSE/STO/Nasdaq stock exchanges) is a leading global biopharmaceutical company focusing on discovering, developing, and distributing medicines for medicinal purposes, particularly the group of drugs among cancer, heart disease, kidney, metabolic system, and respiratory disease. Based in Cambridge, UK, AstraZeneca operates in over 100 countries and has millions of patients worldwide benefiting from its innovative medicines. For more information, please visit astrazeneca.com and follow the company on facebook.com/AstraZeneca.TH
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