Medecins Sans Frontieres has expressed cautious optimism about its invitation to resume operations in Rakhine State and hoped to begin work soon there soon, the international medical aid organisation said on July 25.
In a statement issued in Amsterdam, it welcomed announcements by the Union and Rakhine governments that it could resume operations in the state.
“MSF is cautiously optimistic about this development,” said Marcel Langenbach, MSF’s director of operations in Amsterdam.
“Given that for many people in Rakhine access to medical services remains a major challenge, we hope that MSF can restart treating patients as soon as possible,” Mr Langenbach said.
MSF was forced to leave Rakhine in February following accusations by Buddhist groups that it was giving preferential treatment to Muslims.
Mr Lagenbach said it was critical that the Government allowed humanitarian aid agencies to have “unfettered access” to ensure people could receive medical care.
He acknowledged that the situation in Rakhine was sensitive because of inter-communal tensions.
“This makes it all the more important that independent international organisations can play their role in treating those most vulnerable,” Mr Lagenbach said.
MSF has been working in Rakhine since 1994 and until its activities were suspended in February was the biggest non-government medical provider in the state, said the statement.
“We remain eager to resume activities throughout Rakhine State and have a team of national and international staff ready to provide medical care immediately,” Mr Langenbach said.
The statement said that before it had to leave Rakhine in February, MSF was providing medical services in 24 camps for displaced people and in isolated villages throughout the state.
It said that in 2013, MSF doctors and community health workers had more than 400,000 consultations in Rakhine, for HIV, tuberculosis, malnutrition, malaria, antenatal and postnatal care and mental health.
