Thailand's Remote Lifesavers

What are the challenges facing young Thai doctors providing life-saving care to their country's rural population?

A film by Bruno Sorrentino and Kate Quine

Nearly half of the world's population lives in rural areas, but only a quarter of the world's doctors serve them.

About 40 years ago, Thailand's government introduced an ambitious programme to provide healthcare to its 34 million rural population.

In exchange for the state paying their tuition fees, young Thai medics are obliged to spend their first three years as qualified doctors working wherever the government feels they are needed.

We follow a group of young doctors sent to work in the northwest province of Tak, some 400km from Bangkok. From having to treat infectious diseases to chronic illnesses, the young doctors have to adapt with a confidence beyond their years.