Monks may be brought to Bangkok for treatment
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Authorities try to speed up process to issue passports
One of the four monks hospitalised at Yangon General Hospital, who were injured during the crackdown on the Latpadaungtaung copper mine protest in central Myanmar, is suffering wound infection, Dr Kyaw Kyaw said on December 20.
“If he doesn’t recover, we will hospitalise him in Thailand,” said a monk who is looking after the injured at the hospital.
A special investigation commission led by Aung San Suu Kyi is helping two monks in getting passports in case they need to go abroad for treatment.
Slowly recovering
Currently two injured monks, who are undergoing treatment along with two other monks at Yangon General Hospital, are improving, “but we have to be cautious,” said U Vimala, a lead monk of the Healthcare Committee for Injured Monks.
The four monks are: Ashin Sejayna (Myoma Shwe Ku Monastery), U Visuddha (Phayagyi Alaetite, Mandalay), U Sannaw Barta (Pakokku Alaetite) and U Tusateta (Zawtikayarmatite, Monywa).
The four monks were earlier transferred from Mandalay Hospital to Yangon General Hospital on December 16 for better medical treatment.
Among them, Ashin Sejayna’s injuries are most severe.
“We are just planning for it in case his condition doesn’t improve. So, we will wait and see,” said U Vimala.
“We have to care the infected monk and keep him under sterile conditions.
He has been moved to the special room and the number of visitors is restricted.
Meanwhile, the other three monks are recovering from the injuries,” Dr Kyaw Kyaw said.
The government will pay for the medical treatments for the injured monks, he added.
The commission is arranging passport for Ashin Sejayna, Monywa who has the worst injuries among the four monks receiving medical treatment in Yangon, and another monk.
The monks were injured on November 29 during a police crackdown during a protest against the China-backed Latpadaungtaung copper mine project.
The government said police used tear bombs, but locals said the law enforcers used firebombs. Referring to discussions during Suu Kyi’s recent visit to upgrade Yangon General Hospital, U Vimala said, “Minister Hla Tun of the President Office also promised to take care of the injured monks.”
