The Faculty of Nursing, Mahidol University, in collaboration with Siriraj Nursing Alumni Association under the Royal Patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Srinagarindra, and Department of Nursing, Siriraj Hospital, jointly organized the 32nd Academic Conference ‘Mental Health and Wellness in the Next Normal: Driving Force of Nurses’ from 9 to 10 January 2023 as an online conference via Zoom system. On January 9, 2023, Professor Banchong Mahaisavariya, M.D.. President of Mahidol University, presided over the opening ceremony and gave opening remarks. Associate Professor Dr. Yajai Sitthimongkol, Dean of the Faculty of Nursing, Mahidol University, reported that the objective of this conference was to raise awareness and prepare nurses to drive the nursing system and public health in Thailand towards global healthcare and wellness hub in order to promote health for Thai people.
Recognizing Thai government's policy that the integrated medical industry is one of the industries and services of the future in Thailand, the Faculty of Nursing has a vision of becoming a nationally and internationally leading educational institution in nursing and being a leader in health promotion. In addition, the Faculty of Nursing has knowledgeable and highly skilled teachers in nursing and midwifery who produce and transfer knowledge on physical and mental health care among populations in all health conditions. Therefore, it is significant to jointly drive Thailand to be the center of health and medical services in the world. In addition, the government has a strategic plan to develop the country as a Medical Hub (2017 - 2026). To support the strategy, development of knowledge and skills in the medical, nursing and public health fields is therefore important. Hence, mental health and wellness is considered an important trend in the creation of products, services and technologies to help solve problems and promote mental health of various groups of people.
There were more than 800 attendees including faculty members, professional nurses, and nursing students from various institutions, both public and private sectors. The faculty was honored by famous lecturers who attended to give a presentation and join discussion to exchange of knowledge including Dr. Amporn Benjaphon Phithak (Director-General of Department of Mental Health, Ministry of Public Health), Dr. Akom Praditsuwan (Deputy Director of Department of Health Service Support, Ministry of Public Health), Dr. Sutisa Pitiyarn (Registered Nurse, Department of Nursing Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University), Dr. Ruangrong Ongpattanakit from Bumrungrad International Hospital, Mrs Saowapa Jongkitipong from Department of Health Service Support Ministry of Public Health, Professor Dr.Pattarachai Kiratisin from Mahidol University, and Professor Dr. Phadungsak Rattanadecho from Thammasat University. There were also Associate Professor Dr. Suchitra Luengamornlert (President of Thailand Nursing and Midwifery Council) and Mrs. Chamaiporn Charoenkraikamol (Head of Department of Nursing Siriraj Hospital) joining the Conference.
