Local residents and internally displaced people (IDPs) are seeking an immediate replacement for the lone doctor at Tin Nyo cottage hospital in Mrauk-U Township, Arakan State, who left the position more than a month ago.  

“The doctor told us at a farewell party that he will go for study to promote his position. He said the training will be two years,” said Ko Soe Naing, an IDP from Tin Nyo IDP camp.

Tin Nyo cottage hospital is located near Tin Nyo IDP camp, and IDPs depend on the hospital for their healthcare needs.

Residents of 54 villages, including Tin Nyo village, also rely on the hospital.

U Wai Hla Aung, the Tin Nyo village head, said locals will face healthcare difficulties if a new doctor does not fill the vacant position as soon as possible.

“If the hospital does not have a doctor for months, villagers will face difficulty, especially emergency patients. Transportation is a challenge if an emergency patient needs to be sent to Mrauk-U Hospital,” he explained.

Dr. Soe Win Paing, assistant director of the Public Health Department in Arakan State, said: “Relevant authorities will arrange to assign a new doctor at Tin Nyo cottage hospital. It is related to the Department of Medical Services.”

DMG made an in-person attempt to seek comment from the deputy superintendent of Sittwe General Hospital, Dr. Khin Khin Zaw, on assigning a new doctor at Tin Nyo cottage hospital, but she refused to give an interview. DMG phoned Dr. Kyi Lwin, superintendent of Sittwe General Hospital, but he could not be reached.

Members of Doctors Without Borders (Médecins Sans Frontières aka MSF) are currently providing healthcare at Tin Nyo IDP camp two days a week.