Bangkok: The government has launched a proactive health promotion center along the MRT Orange Line, aiming to target cancer in its early stages. This initiative seeks to integrate healthcare services with the BTS Skytrain system by developing a "Health Station" on Rama 9 Road. The center is set to provide cancer screening services, aiming to accommodate 60,000 screenings annually.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Lalida Periswiwatana, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, revealed the government's plan to advance preventive healthcare services, making them more accessible to people's daily lives. In collaboration with the Mass Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA), the Department of Medical Services, and the National Cancer Institute, the government is working on the 'NCI Wellness and Cancer Prevention Center @MRT' at an MRTA station on the Orange Line MRT project on Rama 9 Road. The center is designed to promote health, assess risks, and proactively screen for cancer, targeting to serve around 60,000 people annually. The lease agreement for the project was signed on August 21, 2026, involving a multi-purpose building of 1,357.78 square meters and an additional 682 square meters of surrounding land, totaling over 2,000 square meters. Currently, the facility is under development and renovation and not yet open to the public.
The deputy spokesperson emphasized the "Health Station" concept, which aims to make preventive healthcare services more accessible via public transportation. Previously, individuals had to visit medical facilities for assessments or screenings, which posed challenges for working-age and urban residents with time and travel constraints. This initiative will enhance opportunities for early detection of abnormalities. "The goal is not merely to increase medical service locations but to integrate preventive healthcare services into people's daily lives, especially concerning cancer, where early detection is vital. This project connects public transportation with the healthcare system, enhancing service accessibility," Ms. Lalida stated.
Planned services will encompass health consultations, cancer and non-communicable disease (NCD) risk assessments, risk-based screenings, disease prevention and vaccination education, outpatient services, and referral systems for further testing when necessary. The plan includes using advanced medical technology, such as AI-powered digital mammography, CT scans, ultrasound, and laboratory facilities, to support these services. However, specific details about the services and tests will be announced later.
Ms. Lalida further mentioned that the project involves effectively utilizing state assets for public benefit, based on the Cabinet resolution from June 10, 2026. This resolution approves, in principle, that the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) can lease or grant rights to 56 properties, enabling areas related to the electric train system to be developed into activities that create public benefit and add value to state assets. "Areas previously supporting the transportation system can now be expanded to offer more services to the public. If the Health Station model facilitates easier access to screening for working adults or those with time constraints, it will mark another step in bringing government services closer to the people," Ms. Lalida remarked.