Residents in Mingin town, Sagaing Region, are facing difficulties as they have to travel to hospitals in Kale due to the absence of doctors at the township hospital, according to residents.
Currently, the Mingin township hospital is operated only by health assistants and nurses who can only treat minor illnesses and injuries, according to residents.
“They can only handle minor illnesses. No surgeries or anything like that. If cases need referral, they refer them. Those who can travel by their own means do so. Those who can’t just have to stay here. They haven’t fulfilled our requests. The doctors who were supposed to come have all resigned,” said a Mingin resident.
Although residents have requested authorities to fill the vacant doctor positions at Mingin township hospital, no doctors have been able to reach the area due to ongoing conflicts.
Both town residents and villagers from throughout the township have to travel to hospitals in Kalewa and Kale, facing significant transportation difficulties, according to locals.
“For surgeries and such, we have to handle it ourselves. We have to travel the distance by our own means. There haven’t been any major problems yet. Kidney stones are the most common problem,” said a resident.
According to residents of the town, residents from villages with pro-military militia Pyu Saw Htee presence can receive emergency medical care and surgeries by taking military helicopter flights to Monywa or Kale, while residents from other villages have to manage medical care on their own.
According to 2023 regional data, the 50-bedded township public hospital previously served a population of over 100,000 people, with one general practitioner, and five nurses providing healthcare services. Since 2024, the hospital has been operating with nurses only.
According to regional data, tuberculosis is prevalent in Mingin Township, with two deaths recorded in 2023.
Sent by Shanni Voice.