Mae Tao Clinic – Providing quality care at the height of the pandemic
As Myanmar’s generals push the country toward civil war, displacing large numbers of civilians in the context of a global health crisis, the Mae Tao Clinic remains a life line for the mostly Karen refugees seeking shelter and safety in Thailand along the border today. With almost 100,000 medical consultations, each year the Clinic provides over 7,000 general hospital admissions, about 1,500 births, cares for over 400 babies with severe malnutrition and prevents ongoing transmission of tuberculosis and HIV through early detection and facilitation of access to treatment for just over 5,000 patients.
In the front line – COVID 19 crisis along the Thai Burma Border
In the context of COVID 19 and increasing pressure on resources along the border, MTC’s role in providing quality care has been critical.
After a long period with relatively few cases, in June, Mae Sot experienced a sudden wave of COVID 19 infections – jumping from 77 cases to 455 in a single day and increasing rapidly. With over 2,200 individuals requiring medical attention in the province, Mae Thao Clinic became an authorised COVID 19 isolation centre under the supervision of the District General Hospital, providing care for 70 patients deemed low risk for complications. As the COVID-19 cases rapidly increased in the area, within a matter of weeks, 109 MTC staff tested positive for COVID-19, forcing the clinic to suspend its primary healthcare services – instead, becoming a temporary isolation facility for 391 COVID-19 positive patients.
With Mae Tao Clinics care and support, 203 patients have already recovered and the clinic plans to resume its child delivery service as soon as possible.
During this period, and throughout the crisis, Mae Tao Clinic provides telephone advice and referrals to patients in English, Burmese, Karen and Thai languages and also coordinates humanitarian assistance through donations of food, medical supplies and hygiene kits.
Read more:
- Mae Tao Clinic website
- Mae Tao Clinic August 2021 situation update
- Donate directly to Mae Tao Clinic
The Global Justice Organisation of the Australian Union Movement
The work of Union Aid Abroad – APHEDA relies on the efforts of thousands of Australian unionists and internationalists who raise funds, volunteer, and take action to build solidarity across borders.