
Thailand: Samitivej International Children's Hospital Expands, Advancing Pediatric Healthcare Amidst Rising Medical Tourism from the Gulf
Backed by a 2 billion THB ($58.9 million USD) investment, the expansion strengthens Samitivej's commitment to becoming Asia-Pacific's Leading Pediatric Referral Hub, providing specialized care, innovative treatments, and seamless medical coordination.
The expansion comes as Thailand strengthens its position as a global healthcare destination, attracting patients from across Asia and the Middle East. According to Statista, Thailand's medical tourism industry was valued at 29 billion THB in 2023 (around $820 million USD), with an estimated 3.07 million international patients seeking specialized care. Families from the GCC—including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar—continue to choose Thailand for comprehensive health check-ups, cardiology, oncology, and neonatal care, drawn by its internationally accredited hospitals and advanced medical expertise.
Revolutionizing Pediatric Care with Advanced Treatments Samitivej International Children's Hospital redefines pediatric excellence, offering cutting-edge treatments for complex and rare conditions, including:
• Open-Heart Surgery to Minimally Invasive Catheterization – Complete heart care from birth, ensuring advanced treatment and faster recovery.
• Haploidentical Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) to CAR-T Cell Therapy – Advanced treatments for blood disorders and cancer.
• Comprehensive Pediatric and Newborn Surgery – Expertise in performing procedures from head to toe, led by specialized doctors.
• Epilepsy Treatment with Medication to Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) Implants – Solutions for drug-resistant epilepsy.
Advancing Pediatric Excellence with Cutting-Edge Facilities The new eight-floor hospital features 111 beds, including 12 for critically ill children and 8 neonatal intensive care beds. It integrates Smart Hospital technology for efficiency and patient-centered care. Key features include:
• Hybrid Operating Room: Precision-driven newborn and pediatric surgical procedures using biplane imaging technology.
• World-Class Pediatric Specialties: Multidisciplinary teams treating complex and rare conditions.
• Advanced Neonatal & Pediatric Intensive Care: Specialized care for premature infants under 500 grams.
• Cutting-Edge Rehabilitation Center: Robotic-assisted gait training, Hybrid Assistive Limb (HAL) therapy, and Redcord NEURAC systems.
• Comprehensive International Patient Services: Pre-arrival teleconsultations, aeromedical transport, multilingual care teams, follow-up appointments, and medical evacuation and repatriation.
Global Partnerships & Medical Expertise As part of its commitment to delivering world-class pediatric healthcare, Samitivej collaborates with Doernbecher Children's Hospital (OHSU, USA) to enhance care for critically ill children, newborns, and trauma patients. A partnership with Takatsuki General Hospital (Japan) ensures specialized neonatal and allergy treatments, providing access to the latest pediatric advancements.
Pioneering Smart Hospital Innovations Samitivej leads in digital healthcare, integrating technology to enhance efficiency and patient care.
Innovations include:
• Well Kidz App: Manages medical records, appointments, and remote consultations.
• Smart ER & Smart Ambulance Services: Real-time monitoring ensures rapid emergency response.
• Smart OPD & Smart IPD: AI-powered cost estimation, queue tracking, and seamless patient medical team communication.
• D-Discharge System: Streamlined hospital discharge for greater convenience.
Exceptional Pediatric Outcomes & Achievements Samitivej delivers outstanding results:
• 7,000+ critical pediatric cases treated annually
• 1,000+ newborn and pediatric surgeries performed, including minimally invasive procedures
• 92% one-year survival rate for bone marrow transplants, surpassing global benchmarks
• 400+ newborns with heart conditions successfully treated through surgical correction
• Specialized care provided for premature infants with birth weights below 500 grams
• 98% trust rating from families
A Commitment to a Healthier Future for Every Child
Dr. Surangkana Techapaitoon, Deputy CEO of Samitivej and BNH Hospitals and Director of Samitivej International Children's Hospital, stated:
'We want to see a healthier future for every child by integrating innovation, world-class expertise, and compassionate care. This facility strengthens our role as a leading pediatric referral hub, expanding access to specialized treatment and ensuring children everywhere receive the best care from infancy through adolescence.'
© Muscat Media Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Emirates 24/7
25-07-2025
- Emirates 24/7
17,600 Afghans hosted by UAE prior to departure to final destinations
As part of its humanitarian commitment and swift response during crises, the UAE hosted 17,619 Afghans who were evacuated from Afghanistan since August 2021, prior to their resettlement in third countries. This step was carried out in cooperation with international partners to support the Afghan people amid the exceptional circumstances the country faced. The Emirates Humanitarian City in Abu Dhabi received the Afghan evacuees, providing high-quality services and facilities prior to their departure to 21 final destinations. The total cost of the hosting amounted to AED 1.384 billion (USD 367 million), providing a comprehensive framework for dignified temporary accommodation that met the full range of needs, particularly those of children, the elderly, and women. The UAE also facilitated the evacuation of 41,000 individuals from Afghanistan, including Afghan citizens and foreign nationals residing in the country. Driven by its commitment to supporting friendly nations, the UAE responded to requests for assistance in evacuating their citizens from Afghanistan, and facilitating their eventual return home. During their stay, the UAE provided all essential needs to Afghan nationals, including healthcare, logistical and diplomatic services, and communications, in addition to shelter and food – ensuring their comfort, dignity, and well-being. Financial assistance was also provided to help families rebuild their lives in their final destinations. To facilitate the resettlement process, all necessary departure services were provided within the Emirates Humanitarian City. This included the establishment of 17 embassy offices, along with offices for the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and two offices for international non-governmental organisations. In the healthcare domain, the UAE undertook extensive efforts to care for residents of the Emirates Humanitarian City – including Afghans and foreign nationals – especially during the COVID-19 crisis. These efforts included providing necessary vaccines and preventive treatments, with a total of 34,923 vaccines administered to all residents by specialized medical teams. Simultaneously, comprehensive healthcare services were offered to more than 303 newborns, while successfully completing over 303 surgeries across various specialties, including three critical cases treated abroad. In total, more than 254,572 medical services were provided throughout their temporary stay. In the field of educational and vocational training, the UAE provided education to more than 3,764 Afghans, including approximately 800 children enrolled in nurseries with school transportation and continuous follow-up. Authorities also organized more than 39 educational courses, in addition to vocational training and development workshops, which benefited 2,589 Afghan nationals. The Emirates Humanitarian City facilities include outdoor courtyards, several playgrounds and entertainment facilities dedicated to children, women, and the elderly, in addition to a preventive healthcare centre. Residents also have access to necessary means for sustenance, including medicine, food, and other essential supplies, reflecting the values and traditions of Emirati society. The UAE is among the leading countries in providing aid to Afghanistan, and has spared no effort in assisting the Afghan people. This reflects the country's humanitarian message, rooted in values of peace, consolidating coexistence, tolerance, and the principles of human fraternity. In addition, the UAE is committed to reinforcing solidarity with nations enduring the most challenging circumstances. Since its founding, the UAE has prioritized human dignity and people's well-being as a cornerstone to the country's approach – regardless of ethnic, religious, or geographical backgrounds. This value aligns with the country's noble humanitarian principles, which have become a global symbol of generosity and giving. Notably, the UAE ranks among the top donor countries to Afghanistan. Over the past three years alone, the UAE has provided AED 740 million in humanitarian and relief aid, including the establishment of an air bridge to deliver hundreds of tonnes of relief and food supplies, which benefited more than one million people – primarily children, the elderly, and women. The UAE also provided medical assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic and opened 10 maternity and women healthcare centres across seven Afghan provinces.


Sharjah 24
24-07-2025
- Sharjah 24
UAE hosts over 17,600 Afghans prior to resettlement
Emirates Humanitarian City provides safe haven The Emirates Humanitarian City in Abu Dhabi served as the main hub, offering high-quality services and facilities. The hosting cost totaled AED 1.384 billion (USD 367 million), ensuring dignified accommodation, particularly for children, women, and the elderly. UAE facilitates evacuation of 41,000 people In addition to hosting Afghan evacuees, the UAE facilitated the evacuation of 41,000 individuals from Afghanistan, including foreign nationals. This was in response to requests from friendly countries for assistance in returning their citizens safely home. Comprehensive support services provided During their stay, evacuees were given shelter, food, healthcare, logistical and diplomatic support, and financial assistance to aid in rebuilding their lives in final destinations. Departure support and international collaboration The UAE established 17 embassy offices and hosted representatives from USCIS, IOM, CBP, and NGOs within Emirates Humanitarian City to support the resettlement process. Extensive healthcare and COVID-19 response Over 254,572 medical services were delivered. These included 34,923 COVID-19 vaccines, 303 surgeries, including 3 critical cases treated abroad, and care for 303+ newborns. Specialised teams ensured that Afghans and foreign nationals received proper healthcare throughout their stay. Education and vocational training The UAE educated 3,764 Afghan individuals, including 800 children enrolled in nurseries, 39 educational courses, and vocational training for 2,589 Afghans. Safe, inclusive, and dignified living environment Facilities at Emirates Humanitarian City included playgrounds, outdoor courtyards, and a preventive healthcare center, ensuring a safe and inclusive environment for all age groups. UAE's longstanding humanitarian commitment to Afghanistan The UAE continues to rank among the top donors to Afghanistan, having contributed AED 740 million in aid over the past three years. This includes an air bridge for food and relief supplies, medical aid during COVID-19, and 10 maternity and women's health centers across seven provinces. A global symbol of humanitarian values These efforts reflect the UAE's humanitarian values rooted in peace, tolerance, and human fraternity. The UAE prioritizes human dignity and well-being for people of all backgrounds, affirming its global role in supporting nations in crisis.


Arabian Post
11-06-2025
- Arabian Post
MediLink Therapeutics Taps Major Banks for Hong Kong Float
MediLink Therapeutics Ltd. is preparing to launch an initial public offering in Hong Kong, having secured China International Capital Corp., JPMorgan Chase & Co. and Morgan Stanley as its lead advisers, according to people with knowledge of the matter. The move comes as the clinical-stage biotech firm seeks to capitalise on growing investor interest in advanced tumour-targeting therapies and consolidate its platform of antibody‑drug conjugates. Founded in 2020 and headquartered in Suzhou with R&D operations in Shanghai and Boston, MediLink has developed a proprietary ADC technology known as TMALIN®. The platform facilitates precise delivery of cytotoxic agents to tumour cells, with the intention of widening therapeutic windows for solid tumour treatments. Its pipeline includes programs that have advanced to clinical stages in both China and the United States, supported by a Series B financing round of approximately USD 70 million in 2022. MediLink's strategic engagement of three underwriters reflects heightened confidence in anchor investors and broader syndication. China International Capital Corp. brings deep roots in Chinese capital markets and extensive IPO experience in the biotech sector. JPMorgan and Morgan Stanley add global banking heft and access to international investors. ADVERTISEMENT CICC itself is emerging as a top-tier sponsor for Hong Kong listings. It led or co-led 19 IPOs for Chinese corporates last year, raising USD 3.84 billion, positioning it as a dominant force amid market revival. The engagement of internationally renowned banks alongside CICC is likely aimed at boosting MediLink's valuation and widening investor interest both locally and abroad. While IPO details remain confidential, analysts suggest MediLink could seek a valuation in the mid‑to‑high hundreds of millions of dollars. That would reflect both the advanced stage of its pipeline and prevailing market multiples for ADC developers. Comparable biotech flotations in Hong Kong and the U.S. have reflected growing appetite for oncology-focused platforms. Alongside listing ambitions, MediLink continues to advance its clinical and licensing goals. In March it unveiled preclinical data at the American Association for Cancer Research annual meeting; earlier in the year it received FDA clearance for its IND application for YL217, its lead candidate. YL201, another programme, received Breakthrough Therapy Designation in January for treatment of recurrent/metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma. The company has also pursued strategic licensing agreements with global pharmaceutical firms to expand development and commercialisation capabilities. A licensing deal under discussion ahead of the IPO is believed aimed at enhancing distribution reach while reinforcing MediLink's balance sheet. The IPO effort is part of a broader resurgence in biotech listings in Hong Kong, where authorities have eased regulations to attract innovation-driven offerings. CICC and other banks have ramped up support for ADC and gene therapy companies, signalling a turning point after a lull in listings. ADVERTISEMENT MediLink's choice of banks aligns with a wider trend: CICC has co-sponsored blockbuster floats including the forthcoming mega‑IPO of CATL, while banks like Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley have also participated. In this context, MediLink is positioning itself to tap both deep domestic networks and international capital. Stakeholder sentiment appears optimistic. MediLink's management team, comprised of co‑founders Tony Xue and Jiaqiang Cai alongside C‑suite leaders experienced in drug development and financial strategy, has overseen steady progress in its ADC pipeline and established global partnerships. Jason Li's appointment as CFO in 2023 reportedly strengthened the company's capital market readiness. Market observers highlight challenges ahead. ADC development remains capital-intensive, clinical risks high, and competition fierce among domestic and international peers. Success will hinge on late‑stage data and licensing traction. At the same time, geopolitical tensions and volatility in Hong Kong equity markets may affect investor sentiment. MediLink must also navigate post‑IPO obligations, including regulatory reporting and corporate governance under Hong Kong's Main Board requirements. Mitigating execution risk will be critical, underscoring the role of its chosen bankers in underwriting diligence and market support. Analysts describe the listing as a pivotal moment: it offers the backing to fund Phase II/III efforts while elevating MediLink's corporate profile. For banks, it reinforces Hong Kong's appeal as a biotech capital market when compared with established centres like Nasdaq. With its IPO process underway, MediLink now awaits market timing and regulatory clearances before formally filing a prospectus. The company is expected to continue advancing clinical data, strengthening licensing ties, and preparing investor materials aligned with regulatory requirements.