BANGKOK, March 4 (TNA) — The Rubber Authority of Thailand (RAT) and the Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital under Mahodol University signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to research on the use of natural rubber for medical purposes to reduce equipment imports and increase local rubber consumption.
RAT chairman Praphan Boonyakiat signed the MOU with a representative of the Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital. The memorandum was aimed at promoting bilateral cooperation on researches, knowledge and the innovation of medical equipment made from natural rubber. Results from the cooperation would be developed for commercial use, policies and public interest.
Thailand uses only 15-17% of its natural rubber yields. RAT is therefore trying to push for innovations including medical ones to increase the domestic consumption.
RAT intends to increase the natural rubber demand of all ministries to 300,000 tons within the next three years. (TNA)
