$200m loss as locals flock overseas for treatment

Speaking at the National Health Committee Meeting in Nay Pyi Taw on April 29, he said every year the country loses about $200 million in revenue as individuals and families travel to Thailand, Singapore or India to seek medical treatment. “We have enough human resources to upgrade the system. All we need is to supply those professionals and determine how we will take know-how from foreign professionals. We have to cooperate with experts for a better system,” said Dr Hpone Myint, former deputy director, Department of Health Planning.

Other doctors and former officials were also present at the meeting to discuss the future of Myanmar’s healthcare and hospitals. 

Hpone Myint added that fifteen public hospitals in cities across the country lack equipment, professionalism and infrastructure. 

Not only the government, but also private hospitals need to invest in equipment, as well as technical and human resources. There are eight departments under the Ministry of Health and it shares 91 per cent of its budget with other health departments. After surveying the yearly expenditure of the health department, it was found that the majority of the budget goes to paying salaries. Although the budget has increased in health and education sectors, it is still under 2 per cent of Gross Domestic Product. 

“It is mainly concerned with investing in the low level standard of the health sector. In Thailand, the government can offer support in building, machinery and in human resources. In private hospitals, they use the method of raising their human resources. The private hospitals need to cultivate their human resources instead of using doctors trained by the government,” said Dr. Si Thu from the Myanmar Medical Association. 

The number of patients going abroad to seek medical treatment has increased yearly, but it is hard to find accurate statistics according to Dr Phone Myint. Many patients simply have no other option with waiting lists lasting one year and the number of patients far outnumbering the available number of doctors. “My father has waited a long time for treatment for transplant … The operating room has already been booked for the coming year and the number of patients far outnumber the doctors. So, we are inquiring about getting treatment in India. Though we don’t want to go there, as the prices will be higher, it is impossible to wait here,” said Myo Min from Kyauktada.