CHIANG MAI, Thailand – The Ministry of Public Health has launched the “Me & U” Mobile Environmental Medicine Unit in Chiang Mai to strengthen health surveillance in response to elevated PM2.5 levels.
The initiative provides proactive health screening and public education for residents in high-risk areas where dust concentrations have exceeded safety standards for several days. Chiang Mai serves as the pilot location before nationwide expansion.
Permanent Secretary for Public Health Dr. Somruek Juengsaman and Director-General of the Department of Disease Control Dr. Montien Kanasawat inaugurated the mobile unit at Suthep Municipality in Chiang Mai’s capital district, with support from local officials, regional health offices, and Chiang Mai University medical faculty.
The ministry has set a threshold requiring active health screening when PM2.5 levels exceed 75 micrograms per cubic meter for three consecutive days. Due to ongoing haze from northern forest fires, the mobile clinic has been deployed to expand coverage, focusing on vulnerable populations and areas with high rates of pollution-related illness.
The mobile unit provides exposure assessments, lung function tests, chest X-rays, and dry eye evaluations. Officials also educate the public on air purifiers, dust monitoring devices, and proper mask selection, and distribute KN95 masks, artificial tears, and allergy medication.
The DDC advises citizens to monitor their health during periods of high pollution. Residents can report elevated dust levels or health symptoms through the “Dust Spy” Line Official Account (@EnvOccLaw) or by calling the DDC Hotline at 1422. (NNT)
