Supachai-Busadee Jiaravanon Kick Off 30 Million Baht Support for "Orthopedic Doctors' Step Challenge"

The Royal College of Orthopedic Surgeons of Thailand (RCOST) has announced the "Orthopedic Doctors' Step Challenge for 13 Hospitals" project, targeting to raise 100 million baht to acquire medical equipment for hospitals in need. The project will also campaign for public bone and joint health through a walking-running activity accumulating 60 million kilometers. Supachai and Busadee Jiaravanon have initiated the project with a 30 million baht contribution to support orthopedic doctors, aiming to help citizens access quality medical equipment and treatment in line with the Supachai-Busadee Jiaravanon Foundation's mission of creating sustainable opportunities and improving people's quality of life. Prof. Dr. Keerati Charoenchalovanich, President of RCOST, highlighted that Thailand has fully entered an aging society, resulting in a significant increase in bone and joint disease patients. Silent threats like osteoporosis and hip degeneration often go unnoticed until fractures occur. Additionally, office syndrome and chronic muscle inflammation are expanding among working-age populations. While patient numbers increase, modern medical equipment for surgeries and treatments in remote hospitals remain scarce. The project aims to create equal treatment opportunities for Thai people nationwide, with a goal of raising 100 million baht to support 13 hospitals lacking orthopedic medical equipment. Supachai Jiaravanon, Chairman of the Foundation, emphasized that healthcare access is a fundamental life necessity. Bone and joint diseases are a significant public health issue, especially in an aging society where many elderly face knee degeneration, osteoporosis, and hip fractures. Busadee Jiaravanon, Vice Chairman of the Foundation, added that many regional hospitals lack critical orthopedic equipment like surgical tools, artificial joints, and bone fixation devices, which delays patient treatment. Their support aims to reduce treatment inequality and help families avoid long-term burdens.