Mae Sot clinic vital to border patients
More than a half of the patients who visited Cynthia Maung's clinic in Mae Sot, Thailand, for medical treatment come from Myanmar, according to a member of staff.
The Mae Tao Clinic provides free medical treatment for around 400 patients a day and many Myanmar migrant workers and those living along the Thai border rely upon it.
Patients from Kayin State and other regions as far away as Yangon and Bago came to receive treatment from the clinic, said staff member Saw Nay Oo.
"About 60 per cent of patients who visit the clinic are from Myanmar…Firstly, they don’t need to pay for medicine. Secondly, we arrange meals and accommodation for patients and their caregivers. They only need money to travel here," he said.
Every month the clinic also provides artificial legs for more than 20 amputees who are victims of land mines.
Saw Nay Oo noted that aid donations have declined, though. Before, international donors came to the clinic as they were unable to enter Myanmar.
“Now, it becomes earlier to gain access to Myanmar. Our Sayar Magyi [Dr Maung] tries her best to get donations for the clinic. We're still operating though, one year after another," he said.
