The Model United Nations Club of Mahidol University International College (MUICMUN) sent one of its members, Mr. Puttipat Sawatdee, a first-year student majoring in International Relations and Global Affairs, to participate in the WHOSIM2024 Conference held on September 7 – 8, 2024 at Siriraj Medical Research Centre (SiMR), Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University.

During the WHOSIM2024 Conference which had the theme, “Impact of Medical Tourism on Local Health System,” proceedings began with a roll call, followed by the first session, during which the students representing France and Italy submitted a resolution. Their proposal aimed to address the economic impacts of healthcare reforms on participating countries, establish regulations for public and private healthcare sectors, and enhance global medical capacities through international collaboration.

The discussions resumed with a series of debates and points of clarification. The Maldives representative questioned the regulation of private healthcare and the authority it imposes, while the student representing Pakistan expressed concerns about the potential over commercialization of the global healthcare system. The representative from Kenya highlighted the challenges faced by developing countries, arguing that many cannot afford improvements to their healthcare systems.

During the afternoon session, the Maldives representative, along with the student who stood for the United Kingdom, submitted an alternative resolution aimed at addressing some of the concerns raised during the debate. Despite a thorough discussion and voting process, the original resolution proposed by France and Italy representatives was approved, while the alternative resolution from the Maldives and the UK representatives was rejected.

The conference, organized by Thailand WHOSIM, encouraged the MUICMUN participant to further develop his critical thinking skills and introduce the new perspective on the medical tourism from other participants. Although there were some difficulties that the participants faced, there were also many advantages that they gained from the conference.