Mahidol University Signs MoU with the International Labour Organization (ILO)

6 February 2025

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On February 6, 2025, Mahidol University signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Labour Organization (ILO). The signing ceremony was honored by Prof. Dr. Piyamitr Sritara, MD, President of Mahidol University, and Miss Kaori Nakamura-Osaka, Director of the ILO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, who signed the agreement. Additionally, the event was honored by the presence of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thunwadee Suksaroj, Director of the ASEAN Institute for Health Development, who delivered the opening remarks, presented past collaborative efforts, and served as a witness to the signing alongside Ms. Panadda Boonphala, Deputy Director of the ILO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific. Distinguished guests in attendance included Dr. Sakdinath Sontisakyothin, Assistant Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labour, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wanrudee Isaranuwatchai, Senior Researcher at the Health Intervention and Technology Assessment Program (HITAP), as well as the executive team of the ASEAN Institute for Health Development; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Orapin Laosee, Deputy Director for Administration and Academic Services, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Piyapong Janmaimool, Deputy Director for Strategy and International Relations. Faculty members, staff, and students from the institute also participated in the ceremony. This collaboration between Mahidol University and the International Labour Organization aims to strengthen Social Health Protection systems in the Asia-Pacific region through key projects and initiatives. These efforts include developing the CONNECT framework to establish a regional hub for social health protection and creating a Master of Primary Health Care Management (MPHM) program with a special focus on Social Health Protection. The ultimate goal is to promote equity and fairness in healthcare access. The ASEAN Institute for Health Development at Mahidol University will serve as a central hub for implementing the objectives outlined in the MoU. As part of the agreement, the ASEAN Institute for Health Development will act as the CONNECT Center, a network established in 2019 by the ILO, Mahidol University, and other partners. This center plays a crucial role in advancing social health protection in the region, as well as supporting research and policy development in universal health coverage and healthcare policies.