Meeting on public health: MoH UM delivered the opening remarks

Union Minister for Health, Professor Dr. Thet Khaing Win, attended the “Coordination Meeting on Preparedness for Common Communicable Diseases and Public Health Emergencies During the Monsoon Season,” which was held using a semi-virtual system at the Ministry of Health, Office No. 4, Nay Pyi Taw on May 13.

In his opening remarks at the meeting, the Union Minister stated that the monsoon season is about to set in and that the possible environmental changes caused by the recent earthquake could give rise to natural disasters and outbreaks of communicable diseases.

Therefore, early and effective preparedness must be implemented in advance. He emphasized that hospitals and healthcare departments should stockpile medicines and medical supplies in preparation for such emergencies and conduct drills and simulations to ensure readiness and a swift response.

Following his remarks, Deputy Minister for Health, Professor Dr. Aye Tun, provided further guidance on the actions to be taken. Subsequently, the Director from the Public Health Emergency Response Division under the Department of Public Health presented updates on the health sector’s preparedness and preventive measures related to the natural disasters.

Attending departmental officials also shared the current status of their activities, upcoming preparedness and response plans, challenges encountered, and provided their suggestions. Attendees then engaged in discussions based on these presentations. After conclusion remarks of the Union Minister, the meeting was concluded.