NAN, Thailand – Nan Hospital, in partnership with the New Joint for Life Foundation, completed 97 knee replacements for 60 underprivileged patients during the 27th Happy Walk Operation, held November 5–8, 2026, in Nan Province.
The four-day mobile surgical project offered free knee replacement surgery to osteoarthritis patients facing financial barriers. Volunteer surgeons collaborated with Nan Hospital’s medical teams, and specialists shared surgical expertise to strengthen local capabilities.
Nan Deputy Governor Wilaiwan Budasa presided over the closing ceremony on November 8. Dr. Kanok Pipatwet, Director of Nan Hospital, presented the project’s results. Prof. Dr. Keerati Chareancholvanich, Foundation President, and Prof. Dr. Udom Kachintorn, Chairman of the Advisory Board of the K Agro-Innovate Institute under the Kasikornthai Foundation, thanked participating organizations and supporters.
The ceremony also received blessings from revered Buddhist monks from Wat Pa Ban Tat and Wat Pa Phu Paek in Loei Province. Patients joined the Happy Walk: Steps Toward a New Family activity to celebrate their progress in mobility and quality of life.
The foundation donated 2.1 million baht to Nan Hospital to support medical services and future patient care. Additional contributions included ten wheelchairs, religious items, patient identification cards, and certificates of appreciation for medical teams.
The success of this campaign reflects the collective efforts of all sectors to restore mobility, hope, and quality of life for underprivileged patients, helping them regain confidence and return to daily life. (NNT)
