Mizzima

The Myanmar junta has revoked the licences of three prominent Mandalay private hospitals for giving medical treatment to people’s defence force (PDF) members and helping workers taking part in the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM).

The three hospitals, all in Mandalay, are Palace Hospital, City Hospital, and Kant Kaw Hospital.

The junta had already temporarily shut down the three hospitals on 31 December 2022 for helping PDF members and CDF participants, now, with the withdrawal of their licences, the shut downs have become permanent.

Following instructions from the Mahar Aungmyay District Administrative Committee the junta controlled Private Health Association announced on 15 May that the three hospitals’ licences were revoked on 1 January 2023 because they had failed to comply with Section 19 (a) of the law relating to the provision of private healthcare.

A famous surgeon explained that hospitals treat anyone who comes to them needing tratment, irrespective of who they are. He said: “Hospitals, clinics, and doctors look after the patients if they come, this is what they do.”

Sources say that the closures of the three hospitals mean that 800 people will lose their jobs.