The Myanmar Medical Team of 8 members who had come for Shija Overseas Training Program were felicitated in a function which was graced by Shri. Dr. Ratankumar Singh, Hon’ble Minister, Works and Transport as Chief Guest, Dr.Dilip Gode, President AMASI ( Association of Minimal Access Surgeons of India) as Guest of Honour and Dr.Kh Palin, Chairman cum Managing Director, Shija Hospitals & Research Institute as Pesident on 24th Sept 2014.
The training program began on 23rd of July 2014 and the team was received by Shri. Okram Ibobi, Hon’ble Chief Minister, Manipur, in a reception ceremony at Shija Hospitals campus, Langol, Manipur on 29th July 2014.
The team members are Dr.Nand Lall and Dr. Zaw Min Htet, Surgeons; Daw Yin Yin Mya, Daw Zar Wah Wah Tun, Daw Thae Mon Aye, Daw Kay Khaing Myint, Daw Ei Kay Khaing, Daw Thae Su Moe, Senior Nurses from Monywa General Hospital, Sagaing Division, Myanmar.
Shija on earlier occasions had proposed to the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Sagaing to collaborate in training of Myanmar medical professionals to facilitate availability of advanced medical services in Myanmar by Myanmar professionals. The key focus of the training was in Key hole surgery, Operation Theatre technology and Critical Care at Shija Hospitals. These facilities are not available in the division of Sagaing. The training is under Shija Overseas Training Program in which free accommodation and training was provided by Shija. The Key hole surgery training is endorsed with scholarship by AMASI (Association of Minimal Access Surgeons of India) for all the trainees. It may be noted that Shija is one of the leading centres in eastern India for key hole surgery and has so far completed more than 18000 surgeries successfully.
Dr.Jugindra S, Director, Medical Services of SHRI as well as President of AMASI East zone, in his key note address shared the chronicles of Mission Myanmar beginning from the first meeting with DC Tamu in Mach 2013 till the current completion of Shija Overseas Training Program. All the Mission Myanmar ventures were fondly remembered through series of photographs which included pictures of Hon’ble Chief Minister of Sagaing, Mandalay and Manipur visiting the site of camp at Monywa General Hospital. He lauded the Consul General of India, Mandalay for his unending support. It was specifically planned to train personnel from the same hospital to create a team which will be enabled to carry out the same procedures upon their return to Myanmar. He congratulated the team on their quick learning and adaptability skills. All the Mission Myanmar efforts are in alignment with the vision of Shija – “To be a premium and leading brand in healthcare services recognized by our customers for our holistic approach, personal touch and technological advancement.” He brought to light a few points which are required for Medical Tourism such as Medical VISA, bus service from Mandalay to Imphal, Medical tourism policy, Accreditation for quality and Public Private Partnership.
All the team members were awarded certificates and mementos for their successful completion. And as a special gift they were presented with a Laparascopic hook, a set of Surgical Videos and two surgery scrubs.
Dr.Nand Lall, Surgeon from Myanmar, shared his experiences at Shija. His learning included handling instrument, trouble shooting, avoiding complications in surgery and also handling complications if any arise. He expressed his deep gratitude to the Surgery team for teaching them and allowing them to assist in various procedures at Shija with a special mention of Dr.Jugindra S being an extraordinary teacher. The Operation Theatre staff and Anesthesiology team were appreciated for all their patient teaching and training. During the tenure of their training they also got exposure to various other specialties through observations of Laparascopic Gynaecology, Neuro surgery, Plastic surgery etc. Through the SOTP he got the opportunity to attend foundation course in Palliative Medicine which will be very helpful in his career, said he.
Dr.Dilip Gode, President AMASI, and Guest of Honour at the function offered to depute the Myanmar team to higher level training centres in India with sponsorship for the same from AMASI. He expressed his eagerness to visit Myanmar and operate there when given an opportunity. The efforts of Shija team as well as eagerness of the Myanmar team to learn were highly appreciated by him. He highlighted that the highest consideration for humanity is required in serving people and that is exactly what has gone into Mission Myanmar to serve across the border.
Shri. Kh Ratankumar Singh, Hon’ble Minister, Works and Transport , Manipur, informed the gathering that he was among the delegation which visited Myanmar in 2013. He assured that the Government of Manipur, under the leadership of Hon’ble, Chief Minister, Shri Okram Ibobi always has goodwill for Mission Myanmar and that all support will be extended from their end. In his speech, he informed that the Bus service from Mandalay to Imphal will soon commence as the draft protocol has been finalised and is only awaiting the approval of Government of Myanmar. Also updating the gathering regarding the Passport office, he said that the formalities will soon be completed and it will be operational by end of 2014.
“This day will be marked in golden ink in history” said Dr.Palin, Chairman cum Managing Director, SHRI, who graced the occasion as president. For the first time in Manipur training of medical and paramedical team from Myanmar has been completed. It is a significant milestone in the relationship of the two nations. It has been possible only through the consistent support from Government of India, Government of Myanmar and Government of Manipur. He aptly cited the Chinese quote “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.” Shija may be able to do a few camps in Myanmar but it is not sustainable and it is unpredictable. However, training them to operate on their own will enable them to serve the people of Myanmar, said he. He informed the gathering of various upcoming departments such as Interventional cardiology, Cornea and Renal transplant which is in the stage of approval from Government. He expressed his concern about the number of people travelling to other states for availing medical facilities and for medical and paramedical education. This, he said, can be addressed through Public Private Partnership in developing affordable quality healthcare as well as education. He drew the attention of the Government of Manipur to provision of VISA on arrival as currently various patients from Myanmar are having difficulties in coming to Manipur for medical services.
It may be noted that Shija has been successful in developing the goodwill between the two nations through Mission Myanmar which is a triangular effort of Indian Consul General, Mandalay, Government of Myanmar and Shija Hospitals, Manipur
Three such Missions have been conducted since 2013.
§ Mission Myanmar Phase I , May 2013– Smile Train – one lakh cleft patients are sufferingsilently in the country of Myanmar. 103 procedures on 87 cleft patients performed successfully.
§ Mission Myanmar Phase II, December 2013 – 1.8 Millions cataract blindness in Myanmar. 179 Cataract Blindness Surgeries performed successful. The second mission was sponsored by Hon’ble CM of Manipur.
§ Mission Myanmar Phase III, March 2014– 27 cleft lip and palate patients and 32 Key Hole Surgery performed sponsored by AMASI (Association of Minimal Access Surgeons of India)
The mission Myanmar has been appreciated by the Government of Myanmar and Sagaing and has really changed the brand image of Manipur, especially in health care sector. Patients from Myanmar especially Sagaing prefer to come to Manipur to avail healthcare services. This is relatively less costly than Thailand, Singapore and other metros in India.
