IMPHAL, May 22: A team of Shija Hospitals and Research Institute (SHRI) led by its Chairman cum Managing Director Dr Kh Palin has set off on a medical mission to Myanmar. G Gaikhangam, Deputy Chief Minister of Manipur flagged off the team at SHRI premises at Langol today.
The SHRI team comprises of 3 plastic surgeons including Dr Palin, 2 anaesthetists, 1 RMO, 2 staff nurses, 2 OT technicians and 2 HR staffs.
‘Mission Myanmar’ is a triangular effort linking the country of Myanmar with Smile Train Inc. (USA) and Shija Hospitals, Imphal, India to render free corrective surgeries to Cleft lip and Cleft palate patients in Myanmar. It may be mentioned that Smile Train Shija Cleft Project, Manipur was earlier invited by the Government of Myanmar through the Indian Consulate General to render free corrective surgeries for birth defect of cleft lip and palate (Roof of Mouth) in a Government Hospital at Monywa, Sagaing Division, Myanmar.
Speaking at the flag off function held at Shija Hospitals Auditorium, Gaikhangam said, he along with K Govindas Singh, Minister Commerce and Industries who was also present at the occasion, inspected the lands to be acquired by the government to make a cosmopolitan and international township in Moreh.
He continued that Mission Myanmar taken up by SHRI is a big venture which will bind India and Myanmar. “This noble venture is not a simple one but a great mission which will represent India and strengthen the Indo-Myanmar relation, he said. He elaborated on the importance of harnessing the opportunities of trade being opened up due to the proximity of Manipur to the other South East Asian countries and asserted that Health Tourism should ride high among the priorities as the facilities are ready to be offered to our immediate neighbors.
The Dy CM who is also the Home Minister said that process is underway to regulate integrated check posts, issue of VISA on arrival and to set up a regional passport office in the state. Efforts are on so that the office can be functional within a year so that people can avail passports here and if not it will be functional from next year, he assured.
He also said that he will discuss with concerned department and Chief Minister to provide the lodging in concession rate for patients of Myanmar who come for medical treatment in the state.
“When Manipur has international standard hospital and educational institute people from South East Asia will definitely come here for treatment and education. This will eventually increase our revenue,” Gaikhangam expressed optimism.
During the function, Dr Kh Palin said it was in 2005 that Shija Hospitals determined to become a hospital recognised by the South East Asian countries. The whole purpose of this mission is to develop good will between the countries, he validated adding that he strongly felt that the Mission Myanmar will improve Indo- Myanmar relationship.