Malaysian field hospital earns local praise for its role in Myanmar

New Straits Times

01-06-2025

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.