Supachai and Bussadee Chearavanont support the "Orthopedic Doctors Invite Steps for 13 Hospitals" project, encouraging Thais to convert their energy from running and giving into opportunities to treat bone and joint patients nationwide with improved care.
On 27 Mar 2024 GMT+7, reporters noted that Mr. Supachai Chearavanont, Senior Vice Chairman of Charoen Pokphand Group and Chairman of the Supachai Foundation, along with Mrs. Bussadee Chearavanont, Vice Chairperson of the Supachai-Bussadee Chearavanont Foundation, supported the "Orthopedic Doctors Invite Steps for 13 Hospitals" project. This initiative is organized by the Royal College of Orthopedic Surgeons of Thailand in collaboration with the Orthopedic Medical Foundation, Siriraj Foundation, the 'Step by Step' Foundation, Supachai-Bussadee Chearavanont Foundation, We Run THAILAND, and Butterbear (Nong Noey). It invites Thais to care for their health through walking and running while donating to help purchase orthopedic medical equipment. The donations help provide treatment opportunities for patients still awaiting assistance in 13 hospitals nationwide.
Mr. Supachai explained that their involvement began when Mrs. Bussadee had the chance to speak with Professor Dr. Kirati Charoencholwanich, President of the Royal College of Orthopedic Surgeons of Thailand and the project initiator. Upon hearing the details, they were impressed because the project has a clear and meaningful social purpose: to assist hospitals lacking orthopedic medical equipment, which is a significant issue affecting many patients’ quality of life in provincial areas. Additionally, the project encourages Thais to focus on their health by collectively running a total distance of 60 million kilometers—equivalent to the distance from Earth to Mars—a truly inspiring concept. The project aims to raise 100 million baht and invites all sectors to support it further, enabling the necessary medical equipment to reach all 13 hospitals fully and help more bone and joint patients receive treatment. The Supachai-Bussadee Chearavanont Foundation has supported the project with initial funding to ensure that medical opportunities are extended to all people equitably.
Mrs. Bussadee stated that the "Orthopedic Doctors Invite Steps for 13 Hospitals" project represents a meaningful power of giving because every donation is used to purchase much-needed orthopedic medical equipment for regional hospitals where it is truly essential. This helps reduce barriers to treatment access, allowing patients to see doctors and receive care more quickly. Currently, many patients face long waits for treatment, medical devices, or interrupted care due to travel constraints, which can sometimes lead to complications and make treatment more difficult. Therefore, this project is not only about fundraising to buy medical tools but also about shortening the distance between patients and treatment opportunities. She invited the public to join in extending these opportunities by donating through the Siriraj Foundation or True Money Wallet, collectively bringing hope and improved quality of life to patients in 13 hospitals nationwide.
Dr. Sakarin Thanakietsakul, Director of Lom Sak Hospital in Phetchabun Province, said that the incidence of bone and joint diseases in Thailand has increased by over 10% of the total population, especially among laborers suffering accidents and elderly people with physical degeneration. Although Thai doctors are highly skilled and experienced, a major issue remains the shortage of modern and sufficient medical equipment. For example, Lom Sak Hospital has only one set of equipment, so when patients require consecutive surgeries, some lose treatment opportunities due to waiting. Meanwhile, advances in medical technology—such as minimally invasive surgery, endoscopic techniques, and robotic-assisted surgery—play important roles in reducing pain, increasing accuracy, and speeding recovery. However, the high cost of such equipment prevents many small hospitals from purchasing them on their own. Thus, support from this project is crucial to enhancing treatment quality in regional areas.
Dr. Akkarapon Kongkul, orthopedic surgeon at Chaturat Hospital in Chaiyaphum Province, said that although orthopedic surgeons are increasingly available at district hospitals, a key limitation remains the lack of essential equipment. This causes many patients to gather at provincial hospitals, resulting in long waiting times that affect their lives and work. Additional support for equipment, such as orthopedic surgical beds, would enhance district hospitals’ capacity to care for patients promptly, reduce overcrowding in city hospitals, and lessen the financial and travel burdens on patients and relatives in remote areas. Moreover, walking or running not only strengthens the heart but also increases bone mass, slows bone degeneration, and builds muscle strength—key factors in reducing fall and injury risks, especially among the elderly. This aligns with the project's goal to connect public health care with expanding treatment opportunities for patients still awaiting help.
In summary, the "Orthopedic Doctors Invite Steps for 13 Hospitals" project highlights that health care and giving can meaningfully go hand in hand. Every step taken—whether walking, running, or donating—helps convert support into necessary medical equipment and extends treatment opportunities to bone and joint patients in hospitals nationwide still facing shortages.