Chula Faculty of Allied Health Sciences Launches 2026 Community Health Initiative
To mark Thai Medical Technology Day 2026, the Department of Clinical Chemistry, together with the Bachelor of Science Program in Medical Technology at the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, organized the CU Medical Technology Cares for Public Health 2026 project on July 2, 2026, at Avenue Zone A, Ground Floor, MBK Center. The event offered free health screenings and health education to the public.
The opening ceremony was presided over by Associate Prof. Dr. Palanee Ammaranond, Vice President of Chulalongkorn University, representing the University President. Assistant Professor Dr. Tewin Tencomnao, Dean of the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, delivered remarks on the background and objectives of the project.
Distinguished guests included:
- Ms. Pawita Suwanwattana, First Vice President of the Medical Technology Council, representing the Council President.
- Associate Professor Dr. Panan Ratthawongjirakul, Acting President of the Medical Technology Association of Thailand under Royal Patronage.
- Dr. Rittichai Srivijarn, President of the Chulalongkorn Allied Health Sciences Alumni Association and Chairman of MP Group (Thailand) Co., Ltd.
- Ms. Phuttachat Srinisakorn, Chief Marketing Officer of MBK Public Company Limited.
- Mr. Akekorn Ambus, Managing Director of MBK Center, MBK Service Solution Co., Ltd.
The project received an overwhelmingly positive response, with many people participating in health screenings. The screening program was designed in response to the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Thailand, particularly diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic disorders, through key laboratory tests, including:
- HbA1c – This test assesses accumulated blood sugar levels over the past two to three months, helping evaluate diabetes risk and monitor blood sugar control in people with diabetes.
- Lipid Profile – evaluates blood lipid levels, including total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, and LDL, to assess the risk of cardiovascular disease.
- Vitamin D – Assesses vitamin D levels, which are important for bone health, muscle function, immune health, and overall well-being. This test was especially popular, with appointments filling up quickly.
- Homocysteine – Evaluates the risk of cardiovascular disease and abnormalities in vitamin B metabolism. This high-value test is not commonly available in routine health check-ups.
In addition to laboratory testing, participants received explanations of their test results and personalized advice from medical technologists and faculty experts, enabling them to better understand and manage their health. Nutrition counseling, exercise guidance, and lifestyle modification advice were also provided to help prevent chronic diseases over the long term.
Another highlight of the event was a series of public health talks offering practical health advice for everyday life. Topics included:
- The Role of Medical Technology in Healthcare, presented by Associate Professor Dr. Panan Ratthawongjirakul, Acting President of the Medical Technology Association of Thailand and faculty member in the Department of Transfusion Medicine and Clinical Microbiology, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University.
- Mental Health Care, presented by Assistant Professor Dr. Jennifer Chavanovanich, Associate Dean of the Faculty of Psychology, Head of the Western–Eastern Psychological Science Research Center, and Chair of the Industrial and Organizational Psychology Program, Chulalongkorn University.
- What Your Blood Test Can Tell You: What the Laboratory Wants Everyone to Know, presented by Ms. Kawinna Niwattakul, Medical Technologist at Lerdsin Hospital and creator of the The Dark Lab page.
- Exercise for Better Health, presented by Dr. Supawit Ittinirundorn, Faculty of Sports Science, Chulalongkorn University.
The event also received support from Health Center Region 5, which provided oral health examinations and HPV and HIV screening for eligible participants. These services complemented the laboratory testing and educational activities, creating a comprehensive approach to health assessment, disease prevention, and health promotion.
The project brought together faculty members, staff, medical technologists, medical technology students, and healthcare partners in a collaborative effort to serve the community. Students also played an important role throughout the event, serving as emcees, welcoming participants, managing registration and queues, coordinating activities, assisting attendees, and supporting the health screening services. Their participation provided valuable hands-on experiences and reflected Chulalongkorn University’s commitment to community service.
The CU Medical Technology Cares for Public Health 2026 project was more than an academic outreach activity. It showcased the vital role of medical technologists in interdisciplinary healthcare teams working to strengthen Thailand’s preventive healthcare system by shifting the focus from “treating disease after it occurs” to “preventing disease before it develops.” The project also raised public awareness of the importance of regular health screening and ongoing health maintenance.
The organizing committee expressed its sincere appreciation to MBK Center for generously providing the venue and excellent support. The faculty also thanked its sponsors and partners—including MP Group, Sinocare, Bangkok Genomics Innovation, Euroscan, Wincell, GenePlus, and T.S. Interlab Limited Partnership—for their support in providing equipment, supplies, and operational assistance, helping make free, high-quality health screening services available to the public.
