Op Starlight III: Armed forces mark milestone with 2,000 patients treated, historic surgery
KUALA LUMPUR: The armed forces field hospital deployed in Sagaing, Myanmar, as part of Op Starlight III humanitarian mission, has treated its 2,000th patient and successfully performed its first overseas cleft lip and palate surgery.
The armed forces said the Malaysian Field Hospital, which is a joint effort between the armed forces and the Defence Ministry, achieved the patient milestone at exactly 11.30am local time (1.30pm Malaysian time), a month after it began operations following a devastating earthquake in the region.
The 2,000-patient mark, while significant, also reflected the growing trust and reliance of the local community on Malaysia's medical team to provide critical healthcare services amid a crisis.
Meanwhile, field hospital commander Colonel Dr Ahmad Farhan Ahmad Fuad said the achievement underscored the efficiency of the field hospital's medical system and the dedication of its personnel.
"This proves the effectiveness of the services we've developed, and the strong commitment shown by our medical team in ensuring the best possible care is delivered," he said.
He also said the hospital had recorded a groundbreaking achievement by performing a complex three-hour reconstructive surgery on a six-month-old baby with cleft lip and palate, the first such operation conducted overseas by the armed forces.
The surgery utilised the mobile operating theatre deployed by the Forward Anaesthesia Surgical Tactical (FAST) team, marking the first time the system was used in a live mission setting.
"This surgery sets a new benchmark for the Royal Medical Corps in handling complex surgical procedures during disaster relief operations.
"It also proves the readiness of our assets and personnel to respond effectively in various emergencies," he said.
The operation was led by plastic surgeon Lieutenant Colonel Dr Muhammad Izzuddin Hamzan, assisted by anaesthetists Lieutenant Colonel Dr Mohd Zaid Abdul Kadir and Lieutenant Colonel Dr Md Ariff Md Yusof.
Also part of the surgical team were medical officer Major Dr Amirul Muttaqin Sham, anaesthesia assistant Sergeant Muhamad Aznan Amerudin, surgical assistant Sergeant Atiqah Rahdiani Jasni, and Corporal Noordiana Aziz.
On April 18, Malaysia dispatched a medical team from the armed forces to Myanmar as part of a humanitarian relief effort under Op Starlight III, following the devastating earthquake that struck the country last month.
The 69-member team comprised 16 officers and 53 members from various specialisations, including the Forward Anaesthesia and Surgical Team (FAST) from the Malaysian Field Hospital, and an element from the Royal Engineers Regiment.
The team, led by Dr Ahmad Farhan, also brought essential equipment, including a Level Two field hospital, medical and communication kits, technical equipment, a four-wheel-drive vehicle, and two 18-tonne capacity trucks.
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