MERCY Malaysia handed over second health centre in Myanmar

Friday, 14 August 2009 - MERCY Malaysia handed over a second health centre, out of the thirteen in the reconstruction pipeline, to the community of Hle Seik Chaung Gyi as part of its rebuilding effort in the Cyclone Nargis affected area of Daedaye township in Ayeyarwarddy, Myanmar. In March 2009, the first health centre was completed and handed over in the village of Chaung Hpyar.

The reconstruction project is a collaborative effort between MERCY Malaysia and a local partner, Mingalar Myanmar.

The sub-rural health centre (SRHC) handover ceremony was officiated by the Myanmar Minister of Hotel and Tourism Major General Soe Naing. Also present were Director General of the Department of Health Dr. Win Myint; Divisional Health Director of Ayeyarwaddy Division Dr. Aye Ko; Dedaye Township Officer in Charge Lt. Colonel Aye Thein; Chairman of Peace and Development Council U Myo Aung; as well as representatives from UNOCHA, ASEAN and Mingalar Myanmar.

MERCY Malaysia was represented by its Executive Council members Dr. Heng Aik Cheng and Norazam Ab. Samah, who is also the leader of the technical team for the reconstruction. Also present were General Manager Mohd Shahruddin Asmani and Dr. Lim Kuang Hui.

So far, five health centres are already completed in the cyclone-affected area, while eight others are still in progress.

The strength of the SRHC’s infrastructure will allow it to be used as a cyclone shelter in the event there is another natural disaster. This “build back better” concept will be duplicated in all MERCY Malaysia centres in Daedaye to lower the impact of damage to health facilities.

MERCY Malaysia was among non-governmental organisations which extended its assistance to the survivors when Cyclone Nargis devastated Myanmar in 2008. In the initial phase, MERCY Malaysia provided hygiene kits, trained Myanmar doctors in emergency medicine and provided medical services through mobile and static clinics.

In the later phase, MERCY Malaysia was tasked to rebuild nine healthcare centres in the Daedaye Township, most of which were severely destroyed by the Cyclone, among them sub-rural health centres and rural health centres.