A helping hand for Myanmar

IMPHAL, Sept 21: Even as the North East looks forward to the gains that the “Look East Policy” being pursued by government of India can bring to the region, private players in the health sector in Manipur are gearing up to market its services to the neighbouring country of Myanmar.
And it makes sense as the health care system in Myanmar, especially on the north western border is not exactly known for its excellence.
A Myanmarese trade delegation which recently visited a city hospital – Shija Hospital and Research Institute were impressed by the set up and facility offered and declared that if there are no legal hurdles, their fellow would prefer to come here than go to south Asian countries like Singapore and Thailand.
Dr Palin, managing director of the institute, quoted Mr U Aye Ko, Secretary, Myanmar Border Trade and Commerce, one of the 17 delegates to be shown around the 200 bedded ISO certified Hospital at foothills of Langol in Imphal West in this regard. “I am impressed at the health care facilities available here,” said Mr Ko.
According to Dr. Palin, managaing director of the Shija Hospital, it costs five times less for a Myanmarese citizen to fly to Gauhati for health care than fly to Singapore or Thailand where it is prohibitively high.



“It would still be cheaper for them if they come by land route to Imphal,” Dr. Palin said speaking to The Statesman.
What's left is for both the countries to include health care in the list of trading items agreed between Indian government and Myanmar government in the Indo-Myanmar Trade Agreement, Dr Palin said. He also said a memorandum has been submitted to the state chief minister Mr Okram Ibobi Singh to urge the Centre to take the next step to suitably amend the trade treaty. n SNS