M'sia's field hospital for Rohingya refugees begins operations on Dec 1
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| Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein with medical personnel outside a mock-up of the field hospital for Rohingya refugees at the Tuanku Mizan military hospital here on Sunday. (Photo: Bernama) |
By Veena Babulal
November 5, 2017
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's field hospital for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh will be up and running by Dec 1, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak announced on Sunday.
However, the location of the hospital – initially planned for an area just 10 to 15 minutes from the Cox’s Bazar refugee camp – is subject to a field check by officers of the Armed Forces and the Health Ministry on Nov 7.
"(This is) to assess the hygiene of the site," he said, adding that the first group of staff members and all cargo meant for the facility will be shipped to the Bangladeshi city of Chittagong on Nov 21 and Nov 20, respectively.
According to a statement from the Prime Minister's office, the field hospital will have 139 staffers, including specialist doctors who will work on monthly shifts. Mercy Malaysia will also be involved.
Najib said that the hospital, which will have a maximum capacity of 100 beds, will be of the same standard as local district hospitals manned by specialists. It will have separate wards for men, and women and children.
Among the hospital’s facilities will be an operating theatre where surgeries such as orthopaedic procedures can be carried out; two beds reserved for an Intensive Care Unit; X-Ray amenities; and research equipment.
The hospital’s main focus, however, will be on the healthcare of infants and children.
Najib said that the hospital, which is expected to operate for three months, will be built and owned by the armed forces; and administrated by the Health Ministry and volunteers.
"This is a joint-effort and a manifestation of the Malaysian government and its people's commitment to continuously champion and uphold the welfare and interests of Rohingya refugees who are facing tremendous pressure," the Prime Minister added.
Najib said he is confident that charitable individuals and private companies will step up to offer contributions for the running of the hospital.
"This is probably the biggest help that any country has offered the Rohingya.
“On the Rohingya issue, we are at the forefront not only on the diplomatic front… but we have also given food aid, as well as essential items such as blankets and towels.
"This is a strong Malaysian presence in the form of a field hospital," he said during a visit to a mock-up of the field hospital at the Tuanku Mizan military hospital here on Sunday.
Najib also expressed thanks to the Bangladesh government, its military and its High Commission in Kuala Lumpur for assisting Malaysia in its mission to set up the hospital.
Over 600,000 Rohingya fleeing persecution in Myanmar’s Rakhine state have fled to neighbouring Bangladesh over the past two months, creating the world’s largest refugee camp.
