Medical Care in the Sagaing Region

We first told you about the great work that Healing Hands has been doing on a recent podcast interview with Shade. We were so impressed by the critical services they were providing that we have begun allocating some of the fund to their activities.

Healing Hands informs us that they have taken active measures by organizing medical tours to provide essential healthcare services in the local community of Taze & MyinMu Region. Their primary focus during these tours is administering deworming tablets to children attending community-run schools and to the CDM staff in the areas controlled by the resistance forces in Taze Township. To further support the health and well-being of these students, they have also procured multivitamin tablets, which they will distribute at these schools. They share the following report:

“Recognizing the prevalence of iron deficiency among teenage girls, we have included the administration of iron supplements specifically for female students. This targeted intervention aims to address a common health issue and promote healthier lives for these young girls.

In addition to providing medical treatments, we believe in sharing valuable health knowledge with the communities we serve. As part of our medical tours, we have planned interactive sessions where we can disseminate important information and empower individuals to make informed decisions about their health.

However, our efforts are not without challenges. The ongoing conflict has made it increasingly difficult to access essential medicines. Even the procurement of simple fever medicine, like Decolgen, now comes at a high cost of approximately 3,600 kyats per unit. This has resulted in a disproportionate allocation of funds, leaving many injured individuals without the necessary medical care they require.

Furthermore, the adverse effects of weather transitions, combined with the consumption of unclean drinking water, have caused additional health issues, including vomiting and illness. These factors have further exacerbated the health challenges faced by the affected population.

Given the circumstances, Healing Hands is committed to addressing the issue of drug shortages. As a preventive measure, we are providing basic medical training to a select group of young individuals near the IDP Camp. By equipping them with the necessary knowledge and skills, we aim to empower these individuals to proactively address medical needs in their communities, thus minimizing the impact of potential drug shortages.

To support our medical tour efforts, we have incurred various expenses, and humbly ask donors if they may be able to further support our efforts. These investments are vital in ensuring that we can reach and positively impact the lives of as many individuals as possible.

Healing Hands remains dedicated to providing essential healthcare services and making a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve. We are committed to overcoming the challenges we face and continuing our mission to improve the health and well-being of communities in need.”