The University of Phayao Hospital, in partnership with the Thai Association of Gastroenterology, hosted the "Mobile Colonoscopy Screening Project" on November 7, 2025 at the Diagnostic and Therapeutic Building of the University of Phayao Hospital. This initiative aimed to improve preventive healthcare, facilitate early detection of gastrointestinal diseases, and increase access to specialized medical services in the northern region.
The event began with a tribute to Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, The Queen Mother, and was then formally opened by Associate Professor Somsak Chaovisitsaree, M.D., Dean of the School of Medicine at the University of Phayao. He was joined by Assoc. Prof. M.L. Taya Kitiyakor, Chair of the Social Activities Division of the Thai Association of Gastroenterology.
The academic session featured lectures delivered by leading gastroenterology specialists from prominent hospitals nationwide. These lectures covered key public health concerns, such as abdominal pain assessment, colorectal cancer screening, hepatitis B and C screening and management, and the growing prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The purpose of these lectures was to provide participants with evidence-based knowledge to better understand the risks associated with digestive and liver health, and to encourage regular screening practices.
One major highlight of the initiative was the provision of free colonoscopy screenings for 80 community participants. These screenings were performed by a team of expert endoscopists in the hospital's operating suite. The goal of this service was to detect early abnormalities, such as polyps or precancerous lesions, which can greatly improve treatment outcomes and reduce mortality rates associated with colorectal cancer. This type of cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide.
This collaborative effort demonstrates the University of Phayao Hospital’s strong commitment to strengthening community health, reducing health disparities, and fostering a culture of preventive care. By increasing access to specialized diagnostic services and promoting health literacy, the project supports broader national efforts to reduce the burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).