Latest news with #ForwardAnaesthesiaandSurgicalTeam
New Straits Times
4 days ago
- Health
- New Straits Times
Malaysian field hospital earns local praise for its role in Myanmar
SHAH ALAM: The presence of the Malaysian field hospital in Myanmar was well received by the local population, prompting an extended ceasefire throughout the Malaysian Armed Forces' deployment under Ops Starlight III. Field hospital commander Colonel Dr Ahmad Farhan Ahmad Fuad said that despite the ongoing internal unrest in Myanmar, the humanitarian mission continued under strict security protocols. He said that the ceasefire, initially set to end in late April, was extended following Malaysian diplomatic efforts, a gesture reflecting the high regard in which the team was held by the local community. "Throughout the operation, we worked closely with local authorities, who provided tremendous support in terms of security, facilities, and operational requirements. "Although Myanmar remains politically unstable, the local authorities, including the government, supported our presence on humanitarian grounds. "With the country's healthcare system affected by the earthquake, our field hospital played a major role in easing the burden on local hospitals and served as an alternative treatment centre for the people," he said. Meanwhile, the hospital's general surgeon, Major Dr Aminur Rashid Yunus, said their presence was warmly welcomed and deeply appreciated by both the local community and the Myanmar government. "Our presence was highly valued by the people, as surgical services are not only expensive, but the local hospitals were also impacted by the earthquake. "Our hospital operated two alternating surgical theatres, compared with only one emergency room at Sagaing Hospital," he said. He added that patients treated included those with earthquake-related injuries, blast wounds, severe infections, cancer, thyroid conditions, and cleft palate cases handled by Armed Forces plastic surgeons. The field hospital also managed complex cases, including patients with liver and heart failure. "Throughout the mission, no fatalities were reported, and only one case required intensive care. "Most remarkably, we recorded zero postoperative infections, an extraordinary achievement for a field hospital operating in such austere conditions," he said. Earlier, 69 Armed Forces personnel arrived at Subang Air Base after completing the 38-day humanitarian mission in the earthquake-stricken country. The operation involved teams such as the Forward Anaesthesia and Surgical Team (Fast), elements of the Royal Engineers Regiment, and a security detail, with a focus on delivering medical assistance. In total, 3,562 patients were treated and 493 surgical procedures successfully performed by the field hospital.
New Straits Times
4 days ago
- Health
- New Straits Times
Armed Forces field hospital team returns from Myanmar humanitarian mission
SHAH ALAM: The Armed Forces field hospital team deployed to Myanmar under Op Starlight III has returned home after completing a 38-day humanitarian mission in the earthquake-hit Sagaing region. The 69-member team, comprising officers and personnel from various specialisations, including the Forward Anaesthesia and Surgical Team (Fast), Royal Engineers Regiment (Rajd), and security elements, landed at the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) Subang Air Base at 8.30pm today. The team was welcomed by Armed Forces Headquarters chief of staff, Lieutenant General Datuk Azhan Md Othman, during a homecoming ceremony. Also present were Armed Forces Health Services director-general, Lieutenant General Datuk Dr Zulkeffeli Mat Jusoh; RMAF air operations commander, Lieutenant General Datuk Masro Kaliwon; and Joint Forces Headquarters chief of dtaff, Major General Datuk Mohamed Fauzi Kamis. Their return marked the completion of a mission to establish and operate the Malaysian Field Hospital, which began full operations on April 21, providing Level 2 medical services to communities affected by the 7.7-magnitude earthquake on March 28. The quake struck Sagaing and five other regions at 12.50pm local time and was followed by a powerful 6.4-magnitude aftershock that was felt in neighbouring countries, including Thailand. The team was led by Colonel Dr Ahmad Farhan Ahmad Fuad, who commanded the operation from Sagaing, where the field hospital was constructed and operated with the support of the RMAF's Airbus A400M aircraft for logistical and medical deployment. Throughout the mission, the field hospital treated 3,562 patients and conducted 493 surgical procedures, delivering vital healthcare services to disaster-stricken communities. Azhan said the success of Op Starlight III reflected Malaysia's strong commitment to humanitarian efforts and regional solidarity. "This mission demonstrates our readiness and capability to respond to regional humanitarian crises. It also reflects the priority placed by the Armed Forces Chief on strengthening defence diplomacy and military cooperation," he said. He added that the Armed Forces' involvement in Myanmar provided tangible humanitarian support while showcasing Malaysia's capabilities in regional and international disaster response, in line with its commitment to upholding Asean unity and prosperity.
The Star
4 days ago
- General
- The Star
Armed Forces Starlight III humanitarian mission returns from Myanmar
SUBANG: The Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) Starlight III team returned home on Sunday (June 1) night after completing a 38-day humanitarian mission in Myanmar following a major earthquake there on March 28. Two air force A400 aircraft carrying 69 personnel, comprising officers and personnel of various specialisations including the Forward Anaesthesia and Surgical Team (FAST), the Royal Engineers Regiment (RAJD), and Safety Team, landed at the Subang Air Base at 8.30pm. The official welcoming ceremony was officiated by the armed forces headquarters Chief of Staff Lt Gen Datuk Azhan Md Othman in recognition of the team's dedication and sacrifice in carrying out the humanitarian mission under the Malaysian Field Hospital banner. Also present were armed forces health services director-general Lt Gen Datuk Dr Zulkeffeli Mat Jusoh, air operations commander Lt Gen Datuk Masro Kaliwon, and joint forces headquarters Chief of Staff, Maj Gen Datuk Mohamed Fauzi Kamis. The MAF in a statement said Operation Starlight III reflected Malaysia's concern and solidarity with the people of Myanmar affected by the 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck Sagaing and five other regions, followed by a 6.4-magnitude aftershock that was also felt in neighbouring countries including Thailand. The humanitarian mission was led by Col Dr Ahmad Farhan Ahmad Fuad as operations commander. It was officially activated on April 18 when the team was deployed to Sagaing to establish the field hospital. The field hospital began full operations on April 21, providing Level 2 medical services to local residents affected by the natural disaster. It treated 3,562 patients and conducted 493 surgical procedures, demonstrating the MAF's efficiency and compassion in delivering emergency medical aid in disaster zones. - Bernama
New Straits Times
24-04-2025
- Health
- New Straits Times
Over 500 treated at Malaysia's field hospital in quake-hit Myanmar
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.
