A temporary medical center from Malaysia was officially opened on April 21 in the 700th Anniversary Field located in Parami Ward, Sagaing Region. The center is offering free medical treatment to the public, according to reports.
The facility, established by the Malaysia Field Hospital (MFH), is staffed by a 69-member team. MFH Commander Mr. Farhan told Daily Eleven that the mission is aimed at treating victims affected by the recent earthquake and will initially operate for two weeks, with the possibility of extension up to a month depending on the needs of the affected communities.
“Our team arrived in Sagaing on April 18. After setting up the facility, we launched operations on April 21. Previously, a Smart Team had come for rescue missions. This time, our team focuses solely on medical care — all of which is completely free of charge,” Mr. Farhan said.
He explained that the 69-member team includes 16 officers, with the rest consisting of healthcare professionals, administrators, logisticians, engineers, and water and electricity technicians.
To help bridge language barriers at the center, the team is currently recruiting English-Myanmar volunteer translators. On the opening day, many local youths applied and began working after morning interviews.
“Since they called for volunteer translators, many young people came to apply. They were interviewed in the morning and immediately began their work if selected. For male volunteers, if needed, they are accommodated at the camp overnight, while arrangements are made to pick up female volunteers by 5 p.m.,” said a local parent from Sagaing.
Commander Farhan stated that the purpose of the center is twofold: to provide medical aid to those directly impacted by the earthquake and to support local hospitals overwhelmed with follow-up treatment needs. He expressed gratitude on behalf of the Malaysian government to the relevant organizations and departments in Myanmar for facilitating their mission.
“Our goal is first to assist those affected by the earthquake and second to help alleviate the burden on existing hospitals by taking care of patients who need continued treatment. We have general surgeons, plastic surgeons, orthopedic doctors, and even diagnostic imaging equipment. We are also coordinating closely with Sagaing General Hospital,” Mr. Farhan said.
