BBHC 2016 Report
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BBHC 2016 Report Since our last report, the most exciting and talked about historical event occurred in Myanmar: A landslide win by the National League for Democracy during Myanmar’s first free election last year. The 2015 election result is quite a crucial moment in Myanmar that moves every citizen toward positive change. Well-trained Myanmar doctors are now in a better position to shape the country’s brighter healthcare future. We believe Better Burmese Health Care’s work is an indispensable part of this positive change and will make this vision happen. 
Since 2011, the Myanmar Ministry of Health has started to rehabilitate the fragile health system. The challenges it faces are substantial. The most significant challenge probably is equitably and effectively allocating limited healthcare resources. Lack of reliable health insurance system and the tight health budget force most people to rely on out-of-pocket financing which is among the highest globally (81% of Myanmar’s total health expenditures) according to the most recent article in “The Lancet “ titled “Disparities in health and health care in Myanmar”.   BBHC is also making a positive impact by educating young medical professionals who fully understand BBHC’s vision of empowering local talent to create long term self-sustaining system of healthcare for the local community. Our doctors are enthusiastic and eager to participate in a local medical practice that adheres to international standards. Our rigorous guidelines also take account of local requirements for the management of diabetes, hypertension, asthma and other common non-communicable diseases. These guidelines are reviewed and updated as necessary. BBHC also believes in close supervision by senior staff, self-learning and continuing education through interaction between more experienced doctors and their younger colleagues, including engagements with senior doctors visiting Myanmar from abroad.   BBHC is happy to announce that the scholarship program has entered its 4th year. We have sent 3 lucky BBHC staff doctors to attend the prestigious American College of Physicians’ annual conference and the chance to be an observer in a community hospital in the USA. This program proves to be immensely successful in empowering young local doctors by providing them exposure to the wider world. We believe this program will not only help them access new information and experiences but also motivate them to improve themselves and become well-rounded physicians. And here’s what they have to say about their experience:  Dr. Win Than Naing
Dr. Win Than Naing  Dr. Ei Thuzar Aung
“Whenever I look back, my experience as an ACP scholar was invaluable. It is a scholarship program which enables young doctors to gain international experience but for me, it was a lot more than that. I gained knowledge, experience and most importantly, courage, allowing me to move forward and aim for higher professional goals. It certainly fulfills one of the main aims of BBHC which is to empower the local talents ultimately aiming for attainment of better health status for Myanmar people. Of course, that is what BBHC, Better Burmese Health Care, stands for.” *Dr. Ei Thuzar Aung is currently in the UK participating in the Medical Training Initiative, which is a training program that provides junior doctors from all over the world with the opportunity to work and train in the UK, while giving the UK hospitals a high quality, longer-term alternative to using locums to address shortage of junior level doctors. She intends to return to Myanmar after the 24 month training.  Dr. Nyan May Kyi “In summary, ACP 2015 was more than perfect especially in its educational aspects. Knowledge filled in my brain from all corners which could transform my way of thinking in treating patients and practicing medicine. Last but not the least, this year ACP marked a milestone in my professional life and served as a motivational tool to continue my career pathway confidently and to step up globally. I am very confident that I will carry all the good attitudes, bedside manners and critical thinking throughout my professional life.” These doctors will become the leaders of the new generation of doctors who will transform the system from within.  
BBHC continues to provide valuable services under challenging circumstances. We are doing our part in addressing non-communicable diseases which represent some of the rapidly increasing yet most neglected health problems. Your continued support is vital in improving the lives of many through BBHC’s healthcare and education services. We sincerely would like to thank individuals and organizations (Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation) for your generous donations and grants that make our work possible. Expenditure Number of patient visits |