State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, in her capacity as the Chairperson of National Central Committee for COVID-19 Prevention, Control and Treatment, held a video conference yesterday from the Presidential Palace in Nay Pyi Taw with senior health professionals who are combatting the pandemic.
Those who took part in the video conference were Deputy Director-General (Lab) of the National Health Laboratory Professor Dr Htay Htay Tin, Deputy Director-General of Medical Department Dr Thida Hla and Associate Medical Officer of South Okkalapa People’s Hospital and Professor/Dean of Tropical and Infectious Diseases Professor/Dean Dr Moe Moe San.
The State Counsellor made some introductory remarks. Then Professor Dr Htay Htay Tin discussed the works in medical tests, lab diagnosis, providing related medical supplies, ways to increase the number of COVID-19 tests, biosecurity of medical doctors, the systematic taking of samples for lab tests, and sending the samples to the labs safely.
Dr Thida Hla talked about preparations for COVID-19 treatments at the hospitals and management for containment of the disease.
Dr Moe Moe San briefed on the changing trends of COVID-19 symptoms, situations for possible infections, containment works, public participation, status of following guidelines, manageable treatments provided to COVID-19 patients at the hospital, exchange of knowledge on treatment with Myanmar doctors in foreign countries in finding the best ways for curing the disease.
In response to the discussions, the State Counsellor called for cooperation of the public by following the guidelines for fighting against the COVID-19, self-protection and preventing transmission and possible assistance of the government.
The State Counsellor added that although Myanmar was not a prosperous country, the government was doing its best to fight COVID-19 as much as possible, providing medical treatments to the patients in the hospital whether the infection is severe or not, strenuous efforts of the government in doing so, crucial role of public participation and firm determination of government to use all the possible resources to overcome the outbreak of the disease. She also said that cooperation of the public was as important as the efforts of health workers, the government’s supports for the Ministry of Health and Sports and its departments, requirement of public participation in this critical time and when the country was facing a huge challenge and encountering a large number of infections.
The State Counsellor added that Myanmar migrant workers were about to come back home as the government has requested to delay their return until 30 April; the number of returnees would be over 100,000 and most of them were from Thailand and Malaysia; the government will accept Myanmar migrant workers whether they went legally or not; public participation was highly expected with full awareness of possible infection to every person; unity, solidity and empathy were required.She also expressed her appreciation for the efforts of Ministry of Health and Sports as she felt motivated for working together with other stakeholders to overcome the disease; it is auspicious to recognize the gratitude of others, and that all the front liners in fighting against the prevention, containment and measures against COVID-19 are thanked on behalf of the people and the Union Government.
The State Counsellor also emphasized the key role of the people; it is strongly believed that the participation of 55 million Myanmar people could overcome the huge COVID-19 challenge; the all-out efforts of the Ministry of Health and Sports and the government were not enough; individual citizens needs to join hands with the government in a responsible manner.
In conclusion she prayed for the success of all endeavours. She said “may all those who are providing health care to the people reap the rewards of their good deeds in abundance”. She ended by sending “metta” and good wishes for good health and happiness in the New Year. — MNA
(Translated by Aung Khin)
