YANGON- Government will be buying medical equipment worth about Ks 42 billion for use at a new hospital specializing in neuro and cardiovascular care.

It is now being constructed at the corner of Pyay Road and Min Ye Kyaw Zwa Road in Lanmadaw Township, Yangon.

The Union Minister of Health and Sports discussed the construction of the new Yangon Specialist Hospital with the Chief Representative of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in Myanmar in Yangon on December 1st.

This project aims at enhancing patient-centered medical and healthcare services for cerebral and cardiovascular diseases in Myanmar by providing more treatment on inpatients, outpatients, and also make advanced heart disease and neurosurgical operations possible.

In addition to this project, JICA is carrying out technical cooperation to develop medical human resources and strengthen the healthcare system, comprehensively working to improve medical services in Myanmar, according to the JICA report.

The report said the building would also host teaching facilities and four existing departments will be relocated from Yangon General Hospital; neurosurgery, neuro medicine, cardiac surgery and cardiology. It added that the government of Myanmar was responsible for procuring the necessary equipment for the facilities.

“The completion of the hospital will be very helpful for the country. As there has been a change of life styles in Myanmar, many people now suffer from cerebral and cardiovascular diseases. Everyone’s lives are precious. Our duty is not to keep opening of the hospitals but the target of reducing patients. Research efforts including treatments must be carried out,” said the Health Minister during Launching Ceremony of the project for the construction of New Yangon Specialist Hospital.  

The seven-storey neuro and cardio hospital include a 20-bed intensive unit. The Japanese government will provide 8.6 billion Yen for the construction project while Myanmar will be earmarking about Ks 4.2 billion.

The construction started in 2019 and is expected to complete in 2021.