Chin State has experienced a resurgence of malaria, with 30 percent of patients at Lailun Hospital, which was opened to provide medical care to the Chin State population, according to the Institute of Chin Affairs (ICA).
The resurgence of malaria is occurring in many parts of the Myanmar’s western state, especially in rural areas far from cities.
Of the nearly 500 Chin who came to the hospital for treatment, 50 percent had seasonal flu, while 30 percent had malaria again and 20 percent had colds and other chronic diseases, said Salai Van Sui San, ICA deputy director.
“Seasonal flu is the most common disease right now. In the past, such cases were rare, but now the percentage has increased significantly. This may be due to either inadequate medical treatment or lack of preventive measures. That’s why malaria is very common,” he explained.
The 20-bed Lailun Hospital was opened on 12 May in a liberated area in Chin State. According to reports, by July, the hospital had provided medical care to nearly 500 Chin people in two months.
Salai Van Sui San further explained that Lailun Hospital covers nearly 50 villages with an average of 50 households each.
“In the coming years, we’ll particularly need to do more prevention. We also need medical supplies. What we need for health care in Chin State is treatment for seasonal flu and malaria. This need is particularly great. If there is someone who can help, we would like to invite them to collaborate,’ he said.
Currently, the hospital operates with one full-time physician, two nurses and eight part-time staff. As the number of patients increases, the hospital is faced with insufficient staff and facilities and is seeking to expand the hospital, leaders said.
In addition, the hospital has provided health services in villages and IDP camps through two mobile clinics and has treated more than 7,000 patients in the past two years, an ICA statement said.
The statement also said the hospital, with normal clinics and mobile clinics, has provided medical services to nearly 5,000 people in Zokhawthar village in Champhai district of Mizoram State and more than 300 people from refugee camps in Aizawl town.
Reportedly, most of the staff at these hospitals and clinics are government health workers who have participated in the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) and are working on low pay.
Hospital leaders said they need support to provide adequate medical care at these hospitals and clinics, which are receiving increasing numbers of patients.
Sent by KMG.