Over 500 treated at Malaysia's field hospital in quake-hit Myanmar

New Straits Times

24-04-2025

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's field hospital in Myanmar has treated over 500 outpatients since its deployment began, with its operations expected to continue for at least a month.
Armed Forces chief General Datuk Mohd Nizam Jaffar also said the mission is operating smoothly despite a slight delay in the beginning due to pending diplomatic clearance.
"We eventually received the clearance, and our personnel were deployed safely.
"InshaAllah, the mission will continue for a month, and if there is a need to extend it, we will informed accordingly," he told reporters when met at the Armed Forces Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations, here.
Nizam said that the deployment was part of Malaysia's ongoing commitment to regional support as Asean chair.
"This mission is one of the government's proactive efforts to assist fellow Asean members and reflects our dedication to regional solidarity," he added.
Meanwhile, armed forces health services director-general Lieutenant General Datuk Dr Zulkeffeli Mat Jusoh said the field hospital there had marked its third full day of operations at the, which had been positively received by the local community.
"The cooperation from the Myanmar government has been vital. Apart from our own specialists, they also provided medical professionals including obstetricians and nine interpreters, which has helped greatly in ensuring smooth service delivery," he said.
Zulkeffeli added that despite temperatures soaring to around 40 degrees Celsius, the morale among Malaysian personnel remained high.
"The local support and cooperation have not only eased our burden but also lifted the spirits of our team on the ground," he said.
Zulkeffeli also said the field hospital has already conducted 13 emergency surgeries, with more expected in the coming days.
"During the immediate aftermath of the earthquake, many patients with fractures and other injuries could not seek treatment. Now that the situation has stabilised, they are coming forward for proper care," he said.
Earlier, Malaysia dispatched a medical team from the armed forces to Myanmar on April 18 as part of a humanitarian relief effort under Operation 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, an element from the Royal Engineers Regiment (RAJD).
The team led by Colonel Dr Ahmad Farhan Ahmad Fuad, 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.