Friday, June 23, 2017

National health insurance debated in Pyithu Hluttaw



June 22, 2017
A motion urging the government to set-up a national health insurance system to implement universal health coverage was approved by the hluttaw in a Pyithu Hluttaw meeting held yesterday.


Union Minister for Health and Sports Dr. Myint Htwe said to the hluttaw that arrangements will be made to implement the national health insurance system as it is not possible for medications, laboratory analysis and x-ray currently provided free of charge in the long run with rising population, occurrence of new diseases and rising cost of medications, treatments and medical equipment.

The Union Minister said developed countries are not providing free medical treatments while this country is providing it to the people. A national health law is required and it is necessary to study health related laws.

He explained that studies need to be conducted on the entire health system of the country and neighboring countries’ systems because without properly thinking the system can grind to a halt part way.

The motion was put forward by Dr. U San Shwe Win of Yekyi constituency and debated by 15 hluttaw representatives.

In replying to a question raised by Dr. U Than Aung Soe of Minhla constituency on registration and control of private laboratories and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines, Union Minister Dr. Myint Htwe said private laboratories can operate only with official permission and actions are taken against laboratories operating illegally. Three categories, a basic, ordinary and special private laboratory are permitted and the requirement for these will be announced in 2017. Starting from 2017 January, states and regions private health care management committees will control private laboratories and issue permit for basic and ordinary private laboratories. Central private health care management committee in Nay Pyi Taw will issue permit for special private laboratories.

The Union Minister said there are 12 MRI machines nationwide and the ministry is purchasing required medicines and machineries inclusive of MRI machines in hospitals according to a yearly priority system.

The Union Minister also responded to questions raised by U Shwe Ko of Kyaukpadaung constituency and U Oo Tun Maung of Ponnagyun constituency on upgrading hospital and appointment of health workers.

In the day’s meeting, the hluttaw confirmed a report by citizens fundamental rights commission, submit and read a report on a bill amending the Myanmar divorce act.

Kyaw Thu Htet, Aye Aye Thant (MNA)
Ref; The Global New Light of Myanmar

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