Issue 1 (June)

The rapid aging of South Korea's population has led to increased demand for palliative care services. This paper explores the expansion of palliative care in response to the changing demographics. With a focus on the challenges and opportunities, the study analyzes the policy developments, infrastructure improvements, and community-based initiatives that have been implemented to enhance access to palliative care. Findings suggest that while progress has been made, there remain significant barriers to widespread adoption. These include a lack of awareness among healthcare providers, resource limitations, and cultural attitudes towards end-of-life care. The paper concludes with recommendations for policy makers and healthcare professionals to further advance the provision of palliative care in an aging society.

This paper delves into the critical issue of obesity prevention through public health interventions in Thailand. With a growing obesity rate, particularly among children and adolescents, it is imperative to address this public health concern. Thailand, being a Southeast Asian country, faces unique challenges in combatting obesity due to its diverse cultural landscape and socio-economic factors. The study examines various public health interventions that have been implemented in Thailand to prevent obesity and assesses their effectiveness. These interventions include community-based programs, school-based initiatives, and national policies that focus on nutrition and physical activity promotion. The findings indicate that while some interventions have shown promising results, there is still a long way to go in creating sustainable and comprehensive solutions. The paper also discusses the barriers and challenges faced by these interventions and proposes recommendations for future strategies aimed at reducing obesity rates in Thailand.

The rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has significantly impacted various fields, and radiology diagnostics is one such area where AI's influence is becoming increasingly apparent. This paper focuses on the role of AI in radiology diagnostics in East Asia, specifically examining its implementation, benefits, and challenges. The integration of AI technologies, such as deep learning and machine learning, has improved the accuracy and efficiency of radiological diagnoses, reducing the time required for diagnosis and minimizing the potential for human error. East Asian countries have shown particular interest in adopting AI-driven radiology solutions, reflecting their commitment to healthcare innovation and technological advancement. However, the widespread adoption of AI in radiology diagnostics in East Asia faces several challenges, including the need for high-quality data, skilled professionals, and regulatory frameworks. This paper discusses the current state of AI in radiology diagnostics in East Asia, highlighting the opportunities and challenges for the future development of this technology.

The management of chronic diseases has been a significant challenge in healthcare systems worldwide, and Singapore is no exception. Community pharmacists, as valuable members of the healthcare team, play a pivotal role in the management of chronic diseases. This paper explores the various contributions that community pharmacists make in the context of Singapore. Firstly, pharmacists provide essential medication reviews to ensure that patients are taking their medications correctly and safely. They also offer medication adherence support, which is crucial for effective chronic disease management. Additionally, community pharmacists engage in health screening and education, enabling them to identify patients at risk and empower them with the knowledge to manage their conditions. Furthermore, pharmacists collaborate with other healthcare professionals to facilitate integrated care and enhance patient outcomes. This study highlights the importance of recognizing the role of community pharmacists in chronic disease management in Singapore and the potential for further enhancing their contributions to the healthcare system.

The Pacific Islands region faces significant challenges in managing diabetes, with high prevalence rates and limited access to healthcare resources. Mobile health (mHealth) technologies have emerged as a potential solution to address these challenges, offering innovative approaches to diabetes management and support. This paper explores the role of mHealth in diabetes management across Pacific Islands. It examines the current landscape of mHealth interventions, focusing on their effectiveness, accessibility, and acceptability within the region. The analysis reveals that while mHealth technologies have the potential to enhance diabetes care, several barriers, including digital literacy gaps and infrastructure limitations, hinder their widespread adoption. The study emphasizes the importance of tailored mHealth interventions that consider the cultural and sociodemographic complexities of the Pacific Islands. Furthermore, it underscores the need for robust partnerships between governments, healthcare providers, and technology developers to integrate mHealth into diabetes management strategies effectively.