More Myanmar citizens going abroad for treatment as trust in local hospitals plummets
More Myanmar citizens are seeking medical treatment in foreign countries as their trust in local hospitals and clinics falls, says a local medical expert. Patients from Myanmar have so far spent an estimated US$600 million on medical care abroad with expenditures accelerating.
Professor Dr Aung Tun Thet made the remark during a talk on building trust in local healthcare services held in Yangon on August 26.
He stressed the need to make sure that people have faith in local healthcare services.
"Currently, the trust in healthcare delivery is low. Outbound medical tourism is increasing because people have little trust in local hospitals and clinics," said Dr Aung Tun Thet.
He spoke of the need for doctors, nurses and other staff at hospitals and clinics to meet professional standards. He added that doctors must stay up to date with medical developments and latest knowledge.
Professor Dr Maw Oo from the intensive care unit of Yangon General Hospital claimed the quality of medical treatment and equipment is not different at home and abroad but the level of service is different.
Myanmar patients who seek treatment abroad mostly do so in Thailand and Singapore. Singapore has notably greater transparency in medical expenses.