Health & Education
From The Report: Myanmar 2017
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The state of health in Myanmar is gradually improving, with significantly higher levels of funding being allocated by the state, and foreign donors and private investors looking to participate. To ensure its 56m people have access to better care, and mindful of the challenges, the administration is increasingly open to assistance from foreign governments, NGOs and private firms. The newly installed government has also put education at the heart of its reform agenda, recognising its potential for lifting the country out of poverty. More money is being channelled into the sector as officials seek to build a 21st-century education system to help push Myanmar into the ranks of the upper-middle-income nations by 2030.

This chapter contains a viewpoint from Dr Myint Htwe, Union Minister, Ministry of Health and Sports; and an interview with Myo Thein Gyi, Minister of Education.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Expanding provision: The government has made health care investment a key policy
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The state of health in Myanmar is gradually improving, with significantly higher levels of funding being allocated by the government. Foreign donors and private investors are looking to participate in the fast-expanding service sector. To ensure its 56m people have access to better care, and mindful of the challenges, the government is increasingly open to assistance from foreign governments, NGOs and private firms. Instituting Reforms Dr San San Yi, chairman of medical equipment supplier Okkar…

Viewpoint

Health kick: Dr Myint Htwe, Union Minister, Ministry of Health and Sports, on responding to the challenges of a fast-changing sector
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Viewpoint:Dr Myint Htwe The slogan of the National League for Democracy is “Time for Change”. This is the current theme of the country from several perspectives, and health is no exception. As per this slogan, we should not be afraid of changing things at any level, whether it be technical, administrative, managerial or logistical, because such changes will enable us to improve our health services. We must strategise ways to develop the sector and benefit the entire population of our country. The…

Overview

Back to basics: Major changes to the education sector are under way
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The newly installed government of the National League for Democracy (NLD) has put education at the heart of its reform agenda, recognising its potential for lifting the country out of poverty. More money is being channelled into the sector as officials seek to build a 21st century education system to help push Myanmar into the ranks of the upper-middle-income nations by 2030. Fundamentals The vast majority of children in Myanmar attend government-run schools, beginning formal classes each June…

Interview

Collaboration is key: U Myo Thein Gyi, Minister of Education, on improving access to education
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Interview:U Myo Thein Gyi What approach is the government taking to ensure that less-privileged and marginalised children in rural areas receive primary education? U MYO THEIN GYI: The National Education Law reinforces inclusive education, which ensures that all school-aged children have a chance to learn, including those that are less privileged and marginalised, and those that cannot access education for various reasons, such as disability. To improve access, more schools are being opened,…

Analysis

In practice: A new focus on TVET is helping fill gaps in the labour market
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While at an early stage, development of technical and vocational education and training (TVET) is a key part of Myanmar’s education reforms. In a country where 59% of 25-year-olds have not completed middle school, the TVET segment is crucial in ensuring more citizens have the skills and competencies needed to work in the rapidly changing global economy. Myanmar ranked 109th out of 130 countries in the World Economic Forum’s “Human Capital Report 2016”, performing especially poorly in terms…