This marks a significant milestone in the 60th anniversary of the Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, which has stood firm as a "refuge for the Thai people" and is one of the leading medical institutions in the region. Its main mission is to assist patients, produce quality medical personnel, develop research, and apply modern treatment innovations to elevate the standards of Thai medicine to international levels, reduce the burden on healthcare personnel, and increase patient access to more effective treatments. It also aims to develop infrastructure to support the continuously increasing number of patients, with the Ramathibodi Foundation being a crucial driving force behind every step with a heart of giving.

From the Beginning to a National 'Center for Complex Patient Care'
Professor Dr. Arthit Angkanan, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, recalls, "The Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University was established under a royal decree in August 1965 and opened the Ramathibodi Hospital building in 1969, stepping into the role of a center for medical care and education in the country. Over the past 60 years, it has expanded its capabilities through the construction of significant buildings, such as the Sirikit Medical Center (1994) and the Somdet Phra Pinklao Building (2011) to accommodate complex patients and utilize advanced technology. In 2017, the Chakkri Naruebodindra Medical Institute was opened in Samut Prakan on over 300 rai, supporting 400 beds and serving as a learning center for medical personnel. In 2024, the Ramathibodi Ayutthaya Medical Center in the heart of Bangkok is expected to open fully by late 2025, and plans are underway to construct the Ramathibodi Hospital and the Yothi Innovation District to provide modern and comprehensive medical services in the future.

“Currently, Ramathibodi Hospital serves over 2–2.5 million outpatient visits annually and more than 60,000 inpatients, with an average Case Mix Index of 3.3, the highest in Thailand, reflecting its role as a "tertiary hospital" that accommodates patients beyond the capabilities of general hospitals.”

60 Years of Giving: Ramathibodi Creates Doctors and Innovations for Life
Over the past 60 years, the Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, has produced over 10,000 doctors, or about 200 per year, including specialists in key fields such as organ transplantation, cardiology, oncology, and pediatrics. This has positioned the Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, as a vital player in elevating Thailand's treatment capabilities to international standards, with faculty research published in leading journals worldwide and continuously contributing to the development of the Thai healthcare system.

In terms of treatment, it leads in organ transplantation, having performed over 3,000 kidney transplants, the highest in the country, and over 2,000 bone marrow transplants, including complex surgeries such as simultaneous heart and lung transplants. It is also a pioneer in introducing new technologies, such as robotic-assisted surgery and gene therapy, to treat genetic diseases like thalassemia, enabling patients to return to normal lives. In the future, it aims to develop treatment innovations using cells and genetics (ATMP) through the CTMED Center at the Chakkri Naruebodindra Medical Institute to produce and cultivate cells used as "weapons" in treating diseases like cancer and genetic disorders, with the goal of reducing treatment costs to make it accessible for Thai patients.

“A Space of Hope” for Building the Future of Thai Medicine
To integrate the capabilities of medical agencies, support education, and drive research fully, a large enough space is needed to accommodate the continuously increasing number of patients. The "Ramathibodi Hospital and Yothi Innovation District" project was established to respond to the growing patient numbers amid the limitations of the existing space and the main building, which is over 60 years old. Under the concept of User-Centric Design, it combines AI technology, precision medicine, and advanced research to support treatment in the digital age.

On over 15 rai of land, with a usable area of 278,000 square meters, equipped with a Smart Hospital system for precise personalized diagnosis and treatment, complemented by advanced safety measures such as earthquake-resistant structures, smoke containment technology, a lift system to reduce congestion and infection spread, as well as an internal building map application to ensure patients can access treatment conveniently, quickly, and safely.

The 7th Decade: Stepping Towards a Medical Hub in Southeast Asia and International Collaboration
“As we enter the 60th year, the Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, aims for the 7th decade with the goal of becoming a Medical Hub in Southeast Asia and a center of international knowledge through collaborations with leading institutions worldwide, including those in Asia, Europe, and the United States, to connect knowledge and innovations to international standards, propelling Thailand to become a leader in medicine in ASEAN. For example, the robotic kidney transplant project in collaboration with Rangueil University Hospital in France is the first of its kind in Thailand and the region, reinforcing its capabilities in advanced surgery and knowledge transfer to Thai personnel.”

“At the same time, the Faculty is strengthening the country's medical foundation with the "Hybrid Doctor" curriculum, such as the "Innovative Doctor" program, which combines the Doctor of Medicine and Master of Engineering degrees to create doctors who can integrate advanced technologies like robotics and AI into treatment, supporting modern medicine that relies entirely on technology and is prepared to handle emerging diseases, disasters, and social changes effectively,” Professor Dr. Arthit concluded.

Continuing the Mission of “Giving... Never Ends”
Ms. Pansiri Kunakornpaiboon, Manager of the Ramathibodi Foundation, stated, “The Ramathibodi Foundation was established from the vision of Professor Emeritus Dr. Ari Valayasawad, former Dean of the Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, to be a "bridge of merit" connecting the intentions of donors with the needs of underprivileged patients, before expanding its role to support high-cost treatments, advanced research, and the development of medical infrastructure under the concept of "Giving... Never Ends," aiming to create sustainable outcomes in treatment, learning, and personnel development while instilling a culture of giving at every age, so that a single act of giving can continuously pass on value and results.”

“Over the past 60 years, the Foundation has viewed healthcare in a holistic dimension (Ecosystem) and is ready to support every mission of the Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, to ensure that the healthcare system works efficiently in harmony. One of the important missions currently is the "Ramathibodi Hospital and Yothi Innovation District" project, a space of hope for patients and Thai society that will be a comprehensive smart medical center, integrating cutting-edge technology with accessible care, enhancing the country's medical capabilities to international standards, and requiring continuous fundraising for at least 7 years.

Driving ‘Giving’ in the Digital Age Towards a Network of ‘New Generations of Donors’ with Heart
Last year, the Foundation faced several events, including fires and earthquakes. These crises awakened the spirit of generosity among Thais, resulting in a more than 40% increase in new donors, reflecting the rapid and widespread power of giving in the digital age. It was also found that Thais prefer continuous giving over one-time donations. Therefore, the Ramathibodi Foundation has developed modern and easily accessible channels, including LINE Official, Facebook, TikTok, and other online platforms, leading to over 60% of donations coming from those who did not visit the hospital directly. Meanwhile, Gen Z donors have increased by over 10%, reflecting the outreach to all generations. The Foundation is open to collaboration with partners, media, artists, celebrities, and fan clubs to expand the power of giving. Although technology is a primary tool, the Foundation still adheres to the principle of "Human Touch" in warm, sincere communication, paying attention to every detail, and expressing gratitude at all levels to ensure that every donor feels the value of their participation.

Another approach to continue the power of giving is to create modern and practical “charity souvenirs” that began conceptualization in 2011 and have been continuously developed to provide value to those with faith, offering quality, beautiful gifts that are meaningful to pass on to loved ones on various occasions, along with the joy of being part of helping underprivileged patients and supporting the advancement of the medical field together.

Stepping into a Sustainable Future with “Good Governance” and “Transparency”
“Sustainability arises from good governance. The Ramathibodi Foundation adheres to principles of transparency and accountability at every step to ensure that every baht from donors is maximally beneficial to patients and the Thai healthcare system, alongside creating a culture of giving that deeply roots in society, passing on inspiration for everyone to see the value of sharing, both in the form of ‘immediate happiness’ from instant help and sustainable happiness from witnessing the improvement of people's lives in the long term. It also clearly communicates how donations are utilized and result in tangible outcomes, from treating patients, procuring medical equipment, to creating knowledge for medical personnel, while confirming the efficient use of funds and continuous reporting of results, with a goal in the next 10 years to become a ‘Center of Giving’ that everyone can access, experience, and participate in, to pass on the power of ‘Giving... Never Ends’ to drive Thai society towards a stable and beautiful future,” Ms. Pansiri concluded.

In this 7th decade, the Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, and the Ramathibodi Foundation are ready to move forward with their mission powered by innovation, knowledge, and collaboration from all sectors, believing that giving not only creates smiles and happiness today but also nurtures health that blossoms into “sustainable happiness for everyone” in the future. Every act of kindness combined will become an opportunity for treatment, equal quality of life, and hope passed down from generation to generation, with the belief that the power of “Giving... Never Ends” will illuminate the path for Thai society towards a stable, beautiful, and valuable future.