Health & Education
From The Report: Myanmar 2015
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Following years of poor governance, limited resources and international sanctions, much work needs to be done in order to bridge the gap between Myanmar’s ill-equipped public health system and internationally recognised norms. The government and foreign donors are ramping up efforts in the fight against HIV, malaria, tuberculosis (TB) and maternal and child mortality as well as the increasing prevalence of non-communicable disease (NCDs). After decades of isolation, the sector is now open to foreign investment, allowing 70% ownership in clinics and hospitals. Both private and public sector players are taking significant steps to adjust to the evolving landscape of the country in an effort to improve the provision of medical care. The education system is also undergoing revitalisation. With many of the country’s development goals relying on the improvement of education and the expansion of vocational training, the transformation is well under way. Although the Ministry of Education has numerous hurdles to overcome, an increased budget, growing support from the global community, and the reopening of Yangon University are all positive signs for the future of Myanmar’s education system.

This chapter contains an interview with Dr Ye Moe Myint, Hospital Administrator, Pun Hlaing Hospital; and an education viewpoint from Julie Bishop, Foreign Minister of Australia.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

The provision of medical services is set to receive major funding and attention
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By most accounts, Myanmar has made significant economic progress in recent years, but general health care quality and access still lag dramatically behind that of its neighbours. Decades of mismanagement and limited funding has diminished the health sector and left it in dire need of reform, leaving the Ministry of Health (MoH) to fight an uphill battle. With life expectancy in the country being among the lowest in the world and region at an average of 64.9 years in 2012, according to the World Bank,…

Analysis

On the mend: The government is focusing on strengthening the pharmaceuticals industry to meet local demand
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Valued at $480m in 2013 by the Ministry of Commerce, Myanmar’s pharmaceuticals industry offers drug makers a new opportunity, particularly over-the-counter manufacturers who stand to benefit from the country’s reopening. A dramatic increase in health expenditure coupled with rising per capita income is set to see the value of the industry grow to $945m in 2015, a nearly 97% rise in two years. The relaxation of most junta-era sanctions and a new foreign direct investment law passed in 2012 has…

Interview

Dr Ye Moe Myint, Hospital Administrator, Pun Hlaing Hospital: Interview
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Interview: Dr Ye Moe Myint What impact are the under-penetration of health services and the low number of hospital beds having? What can be done to ease overcrowding? DR YE MOE MYINT: Maternal and child care, especially in remote rural districts, is an example of how below-par health infrastructure is affecting services. Childbirth remains the number one cause of death for women, which speaks to the depth of logistical and infrastructural constraints. Only 57% of births are attended by skilled…

Overview

The government is regaining lost ground after much neglect
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Revitalising a fragile education system, which was once considered amongst the best in South-east Asia, remains a top priority for Myanmar’s transitional government. However, rapid urbanisation, limited infrastructure, and a mesh of civil and religious unrest have left the Ministry of Education (MoE) with numerous hurdles to overcome. During the height of military rule, the Ministry of Defence received a quarter of the national budget, while education received a miniscule 1.3% of government expenditure.…

Viewpoint

Julie Bishop, Foreign Minister of Australia, on educational aid
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During my first visit to Myanmar as Australia’s foreign minister, I have been inspired by the commitment of a wide cross-section of the population to the historic reform process under way. Australia supports this reform process and looks forward to Myanmar emerging as a true democracy that respects human rights and is inclusive of all its people. Myanmar and Australia have deepened their bilateral ties in recent years and we are partnering in the areas of defence, law enforcement, education, health,…

Analysis

Covering new ground: With greater regional integration ahead, the government is investing in vocational training
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Rising demand for qualified staff throughout Myanmar has accelerated vocational training initiatives, which have been undertaken by both government agencies and foreign institutions. Since the opening of the economy to the outside world, workers have noticed a dramatic expansion in job opportunities, but often lack the skill set required to fill postings. The arrival of multinational corporations in sectors such as energy, telecoms and finance has overstretched the labour market, leading to a growing…