Health Response : Medical efforts in Sagaing Township following earthquake

Sagaing Township is one of the hardest hit areas during the recent powerful earthquake. 

The disaster caused widespread damages to the infrastructures including roads and bridges, houses, government buildings and religious edifices.

While rescue and relief operations are being carried out by the local organizations and international rescue teams, health treatment has been provided to the injured persons at the Township Hospital.

The hospital is providing medical care to patients using the available medicines and manpower, with the support of local authorities.

Dr Myint Kyaw, Medical Superintendent, 200-bed Hospital, Sagaing, said " On March 28, we received 106 out-patients and 104 in-patients. Forty-nine of them were transported to hospitals in Mandalay and Nay Pyi Taw for further treatment. On that same day, we recorded 47 dead bodies, with three more deaths during emergency treatment. The operation theatre is also damaged and cannot be used. Due to several aftershocks, we cannot place patients inside the building, so we had to move them to the front grounds. On the 29th, we received 70 out-patients and 6 in-patients, with 25 discharged from the hospital and 7 deaths. We also worked to restore electricity and water supplies in collaboration with the concerned authorities. By the 30th, we were able to set up an emergency theatre to perform operations on critical patients."

Altogether 304 out-patients and 113 in-patients have been received medical treatment at the hospital with 25 discharged. In addition, 110 minor operations have already performed till Monday, with 12 major operation.