As the number of people fleeing Myanmar to Thailand continues to increase since the coup three years ago, the Japanese government has provided new mobile medical vans to hospitals in western Thailand near the border to help these refugees access medical services.
It is estimated that approximately 70,000 people have fled their homes in the area bordering Myanmar in western Thailand due to intensified fighting since the coup d'état three years ago, many of them illegally. Because they cross the border and live in areas with inconvenient transportation, they are unable to receive adequate medical services.
For this reason, the Japanese government provided two new mobile medical vehicles to a public hospital in Mae Sot, near the border, by providing over 12 million yen under the framework of ODA (Official Development Assistance).
On the 28th, we toured areas where people live in Myanmar, and the nurses on board conducted health checkups.
This vehicle will also be used to provide medical examinations and vaccinations for polio and other diseases free of charge with support from the Thai government.
A 52-year-old woman who came to Thailand four months ago after her house in the southeastern Kayin state was burnt down said, ``When I went to the hospital in town, I didn't have any ID, so the authorities arrested me and I paid a bribe.'' "I am grateful that I was able to receive free medical services," she said through tears.
A person in charge of the hospital said, ``We are grateful for the support from Japan.We would like to use this vehicle to help the people of Myanmar.''
Ryoichi Takekawa, medical officer at the Japanese Embassy in Thailand, explained, ``Many people have taken refuge in Thailand due to the difficult humanitarian situation in Myanmar.We would like to continue to provide detailed support in cooperation with international organizations.'' was doing.