With the realization on the importance of improving occupational safety for healthcare workers in Thailand, B. Braun with its’ value on company vision and mission which is sharing expertise and improving healthcare of people initiated a project with cooperation with the German Development Agency (GIZ), which operates on behalf of the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation, Development (BMZ) and Aesculap Academy to jointly developed and implemented the “Improving Occupational Safety for Healthcare Workers in Public Hospitals in Thailand”.

On August 27, The Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital (Mahidol University) together with B. Braun (Thailand) and German Development Agency (GIZ) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to cooperate on projects on “Improving Occupational Safety and Health of Healthcare Workers and Patients in Public Hospitals in Thailand” to promote and raise awareness on Hand Hygiene.

The signing ceremony was organized at the Ramathibodi Hospital between Professor Dr. Piyamitr Sritara, M.D. Dean of the Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital (Mahidol University), Mr. Sayan Roy, Managing Director of B.Braun (Thailand), and Mr. Tim Mahler, GIZ Country Director of Thailand and Malaysia.

The event was also attended by Professor Dr. Sirintara Singhara Na Ayudhaya, M.D. Deputy Dean for International Relations, Professor Dr. Aram Rojanasakul, M.D. Executive Director of Somdech Phra Debaratana Medical Center (SDMC), Professor Dr. Alisa Limsuwan, M.D. Assistant Dean International Relations, Associate Professor Dr. Surasak Leela-Udomlipi, M.D. Director of Ramathibodi Hospital, Assistant Professor Dr. Chonnamet Techasaensiri, M.D. Deputy Director of Ramathibodi Hospital, Professor Dr. Sasisopin Kiertiburanakul, M.D., MHS Head, Division of Infectious Diseases and Assistant Professor Dr. Kumthorn Malathum, M.D. President of Infectious Disease Association of Thailand Occupational safety for healthcare workers has been emphasized as one of the most important components and indicators of the quality in the national health care standard and has been identified as the main important goal by WHO and the government of Thailand to ensure the long-term sustainability of the healthcare system development of the country. However, there is still a gap in theoretical and practical knowledge on the proper implementation of occupational safety at the operational basis among the healthcare workers in Thailand, which results in the risk of developing work-related diseases, stress and injuries from work.

The 5 key elements to be implemented for effective Hand Hygiene as recommended by WHO are : (1) System change including availability of alcohol based hand-rub, (2) training and education of health workers, (3) Monitoring and performance feedback, (4) Reminders and finally a Safety culture with Leadership participation.

The MoA would enable the development of the local Hand Hygiene module, led by Dr. Kumthorn Malathum and his team in Ramathibodhi hospital and would ensure curriculum formulation, training in shortlisted hospitals, ensure and develop hand hygiene e- monitoring tools, web based learning and shortlisting of Best Hand Hygiene hospital in Thailand, thereby covering all the 5 elements for a successful roll out in the country.

The first step was the formulation of the local Hand Hygiene Technical Reference Manual, based on the WHO guidelines which acknowledged the contribution of B. Braun and GIZ, which was followed by the Train the Trainer activity where Ms. Patricia Ching, Principal Nurse, WHO Collaborating Center for Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Hong Kong supported the local team.

The project is one among the 4 different modules in the project initiated by Global Government Affairs and Market Access team of B. Braun Melsungen AG and will aim at Improving Occupational Safety for Healthcare Workers in Public Hospitals in Thailand through the importance of Hand Hygiene and ensuring high compliance.