Thailand Develops AI Tool to Screen for Stroke Risk

The Department of Medical Services, the Office of the Committee for Promotion of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOST), and SKAI MED Co. Ltd. have signed a memorandum of understanding to advance research and development of AI-based technology for public health screening of cerebrovascular disease risk, utilizing artificial intelligence and innovative pulse and blood vessel sensor technology. This collaboration integrates medical knowledge, research, and technological innovation with the goal of creating a highly accurate, easy-to-use screening tool with broad public accessibility that serves as a key mechanism for reducing stroke incidence and complications in Thailand. The initiative supports the practical application of technology within the public health system for better health outcomes, with Dr. Chitthiporn Thamjinda, Director of the Office of Biomedical Science and Innovation (Public Organization), witnessing the signing. The office plays a role in promoting research and development, supporting the commercialization of medical and health innovations, and facilitating international cooperation to strengthen the public health system and enhance the nation's economic capacity.

Dr. Natthapong Wongwiwat, Director-General of the Department of Medical Services, stated that this collaboration represents a significant step in applying artificial intelligence technology to the public health system to proactively address stroke, a leading cause of death and disability in Thailand. The focus is on pre-stroke screening using AI to improve the efficiency of risk assessment from the earliest stages, enabling faster and more accurate treatment access to reduce health, quality-of-life, and long-term economic costs. The project's core is building a reliable clinical database, with the Department of Medical Services taking the lead in clinical operations, coordinating Doppler Ultrasound examinations as the gold standard for blood vessel assessment, and working with neurology specialists to develop a Clinical Reference Dataset for training AI algorithms to achieve high accuracy tailored to the Thai population's physiological characteristics. Beyond technical development, the Department emphasizes oversight and safety standards by closely coordinating with the Food and Drug Administration to monitor and register AI software medical device products, ensuring the technology is applied efficiently and safely within Thailand's public health system and establishes new standards for future public health care.

Professor Dr. Sompoeng Khlai Nong Sawang, Director of the Office of the Committee for Promotion of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOST), outlined strategic support, noting that MOST is ready to serve as the primary mechanism for driving the country's science, technology, and innovation policies and systems, emphasizing the process of connecting research networks, funding sources, and relevant organizations into a unified whole. MOST's important role in this collaboration is to bridge research institutions, technological innovation, and public health applications.