Southern Myanmar may soon get its first cardiac center after the Mon State Hluttaw green lit a proposal for a heart specialty wing to be added to the Mawlamyine General Hospital.
Three MPs discussed the proposal on December 8 and it was approved without any objections.
"We have found that the Mawlamyine Hospital does not have cardiologists or heart disease specialists. It also lacks adequate equipment,” said MP Dr Min Soe Linn from Ye constituency – 1.
The Mawlamyine General Hospital currently has a cardiac intensive care unit but lacks a full heart clinic. Those needing specialty treatment must travel to Yangon or further afield, a burden for heart patients that leads to many not getting the treatment they need, the MP added.
Dr Aung Naing Oo, deputy Speaker of the Mon State Hluttaw, also voiced support for building the new center.
"This should be put to the test in this government’s term. After the State Hluttaw Speaker approves this proposal, we will submit a formal request to the central government," he said.
MPs see the future cardiac center as a potential boon not just for Mon State, but also for Kayin (Karen) State and Thanintharyi Region.
“We have requested the required machines to boost the cardiac intensive care unit and called for the appointment of more doctors and experienced staff,” said Dr Htain Linn, the state’s Minister of Social Affairs.
Cardiovascular disease is one of the four leading, noncommunicable disease causes of death in Myanmar, according to a World Health Organization report.
