Medical team provides free treatment for Pauktaw Twsp residents

04 Feb 2023

DMG Newsroom
4 February 2023, Pauktaw

A medical team comprising more than 20 specialists provided healthcare services in Pauktaw Township, Arakan State, on Friday, with approximately 2,000 residents receiving treatment.

The team — totalling over 70 health workers including specialists in the areas of eye, dental, dermatological, orthopaedic, gynaecological and paediatric health — provided free treatment at three different locations in Pauktaw, assisted by local charities and Myanmar Red Cross Society members.

U Maung Saw Tin, a resident of No. 5 Ward in Pauktaw, said he took advantage of the medical services being provided by the team because it is costly to receive treatment at private clinics.

“I came here because I heard they are providing treatment for free. I have eye complaints. I can’t see very well. I can’t afford to go to a private clinic,” he said.

Friday’s turnout was high because the majority of the Arakan State population are poor and can’t afford most medical costs, said U Maung Soe Win, a local Red Cross leader in Pauktaw Township.

“As more people become poor in our Arakan State, they are seeking free medical services. Medical costs are high. Food prices have also increased. And travel costs are also high to get to healthcare facilities, especially if you live in rural areas,” he said.

The medical team also supplied free medicines, according to patients.

“I went to the free clinic because I am cash-strapped,” said Daw Hla Myaw Aye from Kyein Kwe Maw Village in Pauktaw. “I have received treatment at private clinics. It costs more than K100,000 when you need to do some diagnostics.”

Patients with serious health problems who had registered on Friday but could not receive treatment that day were given appointments at Sittwe Hospital in the Arakan State capital.