03-07-2025
Synphaet, Mahidol Launch National Vascular Surgery Centre
A major step towards enhancing specialised healthcare and positioning Thailand as a regional Medical & Wellness Hub has been taken with the launch of the 'SYNPHAET MARAVAS Vascular Surgery Centre,' developed through a collaboration between Synphaet Hospital and Mahidol University. The centre aims to deliver advanced vascular care nationwide while integrating academic research, innovative treatment technologies, and a patient-centred approach into Thailand's growing healthcare infrastructure.
To mark the occasion, Synphaet Hospital—led by Dr Sitti Panupattanapong, Chairman of Synphaet Group and event chairperson—held a press conference in collaboration with Mahidol University at the 8th Floor Conference Room, Synphaet Medical Centre Building, Synphaet Ramintra Hospital. The event was attended by over 200 participants, including medical personnel from the Synphaet Hospital Network, Mahidol University, health insurance representatives, and industry partners.
SYNPHAET MARAVAS Vascular Surgery Centre operates under the supervision of Mahidol University and Associate Professor Dr Piyanut Pootracool, a vascular surgeon who has developed innovative treatments for vascular diseases – silent threats increasingly prevalent among Thailand's ageing population. Vascular diseases, including arterial and venous conditions, can lead to limb loss or life-threatening complications if they affect critical organs such as the brain or heart.
This collaboration bridges academic knowledge and practical healthcare between Mahidol University and Synphaet Hospital, a leading private hospital group, to develop advanced skills and treatment technologies for vascular diseases. The centre aspires to become an Excellence Vascular Wellness and Transplant Centre, operating under medical school standards with internationally accredited hospitals to promote minimally invasive techniques for faster patient recovery. Specialist vascular surgeons will lead treatments and establish an extensive healthcare network to elevate the quality of life for both Thai and international patients.
Synphaet Hospital, a large private hospital group capable of handling complex and critical cases with comprehensive medical technologies, currently operates eight branches in Bangkok, its vicinity, and provincial areas, with plans for further expansion nationwide. This aims to ensure rapid, effective treatment for urgent and emergency cases from all regions.
During the event, Dr Sitti Panupattanapong, Chairman of Synphaet Group, opened the press conference, stating that this collaboration marks a 'turning point' for Synphaet Hospital in upgrading specialised care standards with an integrated system founded on strong academic knowledge. He explained that the project arose from cooperation between Synphaet's medical team and the MARAVAS research team, led by Associate Professor Dr Piyanut Pootracool, to transfer Mahidol University's medical innovations and technologies to real-world health services, especially for vascular treatments and organ transplants.
He emphasised that establishing the vascular surgery centre is a pivotal step towards providing people with convenient, rapid, and broad access to medical school-standard care, especially high-risk patients—aligning with the hospital's goal of proactive health promotion and reducing the burden on the public healthcare system.
Dr Sitti concluded by thanking Mahidol University, the MARAVAS research team, healthcare professionals, and the media for their support in this strategic collaboration, expressing confidence that SYNPHAET MARAVAS will become a leading medical innovation and treatment centre to truly improve Thai people's quality of life.
Professor Piyamitr Sritara, MD, FRCP, President of Mahidol University, congratulated Synphaet Hospital on the centre's opening, highlighting the importance of fostering medical innovation as Thailand transitions into an ageing society and faces growing non-communicable disease (NCD) challenges.
Mahidol University is committed to developing applicable knowledge and innovations to sustainably improve public well-being. Under this concept, 'MARAVAS' was created by Associate Professor Dr Piyanut Pootracool as a centre for training and skill development in vascular surgery and renal transplantation, adhering to international standards.
He stated that collaboration with Synphaet Hospital is a significant milestone in transferring innovations from the laboratory to real-world healthcare, enhancing treatment access and supporting Thailand's ambition to become a global Medical & Wellness Hub. He concluded by thanking executives, faculty, and staff involved in realising the MARAVAS project, expressing confidence that MARAVAS will create 'real-world impact' and sustainably enhance patients' quality of life.
Dr Thanin Wechapinan, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Medical Services, Ministry of Public Health, also congratulated Synphaet Hospital and Mahidol University's MARAVAS innovation on launching the centre. He stated that MARAVAS innovations reflect a clear commitment to driving Thailand's healthcare system by integrating medical innovations and intellectual assets to create accessible, context-appropriate technologies and service models.
MARAVAS acts as a driving mechanism for innovation development and practical medical applications, focusing on integrating vascular surgery and organ transplant knowledge to improve people's lives through prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation. This enhances nationwide healthcare service accessibility, strengthens medical personnel capacity, and contributes to the tangible and sustainable advancement of Thailand's public health system.
Dr Aswin Ingkakul, Chairman of Miracle Group, spoke about policies to promote 'Quality Tourism' integrated with health infrastructure. He noted that today's tourism trends have shifted from mere leisure to seeking health experiences, rehabilitation, and sustainable preventive care.
Dr Aswin sees the opening of SYNPHAET MARAVAS as establishing 'health infrastructure' that aligns with these policies by combining high-standard medical services with friendly, patient-centred hospitality for both Thai and foreign patients.
Miracle Group, with its strong presence in hotels, international conferences, and integrated services, is ready to support and further this policy by creating a 'Medical & Wellness Ecosystem' that sustainably integrates healthcare, business, and tourism sectors. He emphasised that health platforms like MARAVAS will play a vital role in building confidence among quality tourists, enhancing Thailand's image, and propelling the country to become a regional and global Medical & Wellness Hub in the future.
A highlight of the event was an academic panel discussion titled 'SYNPHAET MARAVAS for Sustainable Vascular Health', featuring:
Associate Professor Dr Viriya Taecharungroj, Director of the Institute for Technology and Innovation Management (INT), Mahidol University
Associate Professor Dr Piyanut Pootracool, inventor of the MARAVAS approach and Head of Vascular Surgery
Dr Phisut Phromlikitchai, Medical Director, Synphaet Ramintra Hospital
Dr Burin Lauhawattana, Synphaet Theparak Hospital
The event was moderated by Ms Onwalun Lohitarn, Deputy Director of the Institute for Technology and Innovation Management (INT), Mahidol University.
The panel underscored the shared goal of advancing proactive healthcare under MARAVAS standards, covering disease screening, personalised health monitoring platforms, AI-based risk analysis, and public health promotion to serve both domestic and international patients.
The establishment of the SYNPHAET MARAVAS Vascular Surgery Centre marks a crucial step in integrating academic knowledge with healthcare services to create a 'holistic vascular disease care model' that can be expanded to private hospital networks domestically and internationally, supporting Thailand's ambition to become a true Medical & Wellness Hub.
The event concluded with a group photo session and an exclusive interview with executives discussing the future of Thailand's medical and healthcare system.
