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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