program book

14 th AFCMA Congress 2008 Asian Federation Of Catholic Medical AssociationsCatholic health care provider association of ThailandHuman Dignity in Modern MedicineThailand is one of the countries in South East Asia with the population of 62 million and Buddhismis the majority religious of this country with about 95%. Catholic population is including in thegroup of Christian with 0.73% of the population.In view of the fact that there are very few catholic doctors in Thailand therefore they had onlylimited activities with the constraints of members. In 1990, the establishment of Catholic HealthAssociation of Thailand had replaced the previous The Catholic Physician’s Guild of Thailand. It isto respond to the local Church’s policy to gather Catholic in different profession of health sciencesto understand Gospel for supporting and practicing the love of Jesus in their career life. Membersare professional in the field of health sciences and health related activities, such as medical doctor,dentist pharmacist, technician, nurse, etc.The main objectives of the Catholic Health Association in Thailand in consistent with the directionof Commission for Health Pastoral Care under the Catholic Bishop’s Conference of Thailand are asfollows:••••••To promote Catholic’s quality of life with the emphasis on spiritual life and true value ofmorality.To disseminate and guide teachings of the Church and its application to suit the healthcareprofession especially in the dimensions of ethical and moral.To co-ordinate and participate in activities relating to health and social.The Catholic Health Association of Thailand has extended in establishing the network of Catholic HealthAssociation in each Diocese in Thailand. At present there are networking in 5 dioceses in Thailand.111 Bangkok Diocese: It is the center of the main Catholic Health Association of Thailand. Mainactivities are reviewing and planning of future activities as well as coordinate with all diocesesand the related organizations.222 Rajburi Diocese: The activities are providing services of mobile clinics, training programs,health education, retreats for members, check-up program for religious orders, elderly, etc.44 Abstracts of Free Paper Session / Poster Presentataion / Country Report