Enhancing Cancer Treatment : Healthcare infrastructure in Myanmar

Union Minister for Health Dr. Thet Khaing Win visited Yangon General Hospital on Saturday to oversee cancer treatment performance, utilizing three Radiation Therapy Machines.

The Union Minister also inspected the installation of a Bhabhatron machine, donated by India, to augment radiation therapy treatment capacity. He later oversaw the operation of treatment machines at the Brachytherapy Room, including PET/CT and Cyclotron.

During the visit, the Union Minister provided encouragement to cancer patients and distributed nutritious foods, addressing the needs of health staff. With 12 Radiation Therapy Machines in operation, People’s Hospitals in Yangon, Mandalay, Nay Pyi Taw, and Taunggyi are delivering radiation therapy treatment to cancer patients, prioritizing emergency cases even on weekends.

In 2023, over 110,000 radiation therapy treatments were administered in these hospitals. Additionally, radiation therapy treatment is available at Defence Services Hospitals and private hospitals in Yangon and Nay Pyi Taw.

In support of effective cancer treatment, the government allocated over 12 billion kyats for purchasing cancer treatment medicines, and a new Radiation Therapy Machine has been installed at Mandalay People’s Hospital. Furthermore, the Ministry has constructed the National Cancer Treatment Center in Dagon Seikkan Township, with plans to install three Radiation Therapy Machines at the newly built facility this year.

Continuing the tour, the Union Minister visited a newly opened 7-storey building, observing health treatment provided in medical wards specializing in general diseases, hematology, and gastrointestinal tract issues. He emphasized the importance of providing quality healthcare treatment to patients and ensuring the long-term maintenance of facilities.

During a meeting with the Medical Superintendent, Professors, and Specialists, systematic management of basic medicines for patients was stressed to alleviate treatment costs.