UNION Minister for Health and Sports Dr Myint Htwe delivered a speech at the Myanmar-Australia Research Collaboration for Health (MARCH) Symposium at the University of Medicine (2) in Yangon yesterday morning.
In his speech, the Union Minister said the University of Medicine (2) signed an MoU with Kirby Institute of the University of New South Wales in 2017 and the cooperation on research started from that has benefited the university, the ministry and the nation as well. He said his ministry noticeably increased financial support for research activities to K6 billion since April 2016.
He said his ministry has formed a board for reviewing research ethics and skillfulness in the departments and universities under it, in addition to establishing a Myanmar health research registry and research information system. He called for more directly beneficial research using ministry funds in line with the symposium’s motto of ‘Improving the Health Outcome’.
The symposium discussed upon MARCH’s accomplishments, communicable diseases such as tuberculosis, diseases that weakened the immune system and hepatitis B, antimicrobial resistance and other topics, said the Union Minister.
He said new generation of medical professionals should be encouraged to increase their research capabilities. He urged universities to support this by organizing research writing, debates and discussions either as events or competitions.
Next, Australian Ambassador Ms Andrea Faulkner and Prof Anthony Kelleher of Kirby Institute delivered separate speeches and the rector of University of Medicine (2), Prof Dr Aye Tun, said the greetings. The Union Minister and officials then observed the research papers and cooperation photo display.
From there, the Union Minister visited University of Public Health (Yangon) and met with the 4 PhD graduates and 36 Master degree graduates in Public Health, 14 Master of Hospital Management graduates, and 22 Master of Protection and Tropical Medicine graduates who finished their studies in December last year.
This was followed by Permanent Secretary Prof Dr Thet Khine Win, Director-General (Union Minister’s Office) Dr Thar Tun Kyaw, Director-General (Health and Human Resource Department) Dr Tin Tin Lay, Director-General (Food and Drug Administration) Prof Dr Khin Zaw, Director-General (Public Health and Treatment Department) Dr Soe Oo, Deputy Director-General (National Health Laboratory Department) Prof Dr Htay Htay Tin, and Deputy Director-General (Procurement and Distribution) Dr Win Naung praised the graduates and explained the processes of their respective department. The graduates then offered suggestions for improving the courses of study.
MNA
(Translated by Zaw Htet Oo)
Photo - MNA
Ref; The Global New Light of Myanmar