FIELD HOSPITAL TO OPEN BY DEC 1
Malaysia to send cargo, medical team to Bangladesh on Nov 20 and 21
MALAYSIA’S field hospital for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh will be up and running by Dec 1. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said the government planned to send cargo for the facility and the first group to serve the hospital to Chittagong on Nov 20 and 21.
However, he said, the hospital’s location, which was slated to be set up 10 to 15 minutes from the refugee camp in Cox’s Bazar, was subject to a field check by officers of the armed forces and the Health Ministry tomorrow.
“This adjustment is not a policy matter, but a question of operations to assess the cleanliness of the site,” he said, adding that the facility would be closer to Cox’s Bazar instead of Chittagong.
Najib said the hospital, which could accommodate up to 100 beds, was of the same standard as local district hospitals that had specialists.
It would have an operating theatre, two beds reserved for intensive care, X-ray facility, as well as research amenities.
“This is a joint effort and a manifestation of the Malaysian government and its people’s commitment to the welfare of Rohingya refugees.”
He was confident that Malaysians and private companies would contribute to the running of the hospital.
Referring to the plight of the Rohingya who fled to Bangladesh, he said: “This is probably the biggest help that any country has offered the Rohingya.
“In this case, we are at the forefront not only through diplomatic fronts and forums, but we have given food aid, as well as essential items like blankets and towels.”
The field hospital represented Malaysia’s commitment to helping the Rohingya, said Najib, when visiting a mockup of the hospital at Tuanku Mizan Military Hospital here.
According to a statement by the Prime Minister’s Office, the hospital is expected to have 139 employees, including specialists who will work on monthly shifts.
Mercy Malaysia is part of the initiative.