Introduction of Emergency Medical Services in the Nay Pyi Taw Union Territory
The Ministry of Health (MoH), Myanmar, laid down two objectives: to enable every citizen to attain full life expectancy and enjoy longevity of life and to ensure that every citizen is free from diseases. In doing such, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) are one of the main supporting activities. The Union Minister for Health and Chairperson of the Nay Pyi Taw Council attended the Launching Ceremony of the Emergency Medical Services within the Nay Pyi Taw Union Territory on 18 February 2025 at the Ministry of Health meeting hall.
In the opening ceremony, the Union Minister highlighted that, according to the Global Status Report Safety (2023) published by the World Health Organization (WHO), road traffic accidents led to the highest number of fatalities in Southeast Asia in 2021, with the majority of deaths occurring among young people aged 5 to 29. It was emphasized that road traffic accidents are one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality. To prevent such fatalities, adherence to vehicle regulations, road rules, and preventative measures are crucial. In addition, it is important to provide emergency assistance and timely medical treatment to those injured in traffic accidents, and post-crash response efforts are vital in reducing fatalities and serious injuries.
The Union Minister further mentioned the importance of public education on vehicle safety measures such as wearing helmets and seat belts, as these are key factors in reducing mortalities. The role of EMS in post-crash responses was emphasized, along with the need to provide timely treatment to injured individuals and reduce further health, economic, and social damages.
The newly established Emergency Patient Transport System will be implemented across seven townships in Nay Pyi Taw, with a total of nine EMS stations opened, and operated by the Ministry of Health. This system will respond to injuries caused by road traffic accidents. Following this, the Chairperson of the Nay Pyi Taw Council addressed updates on the current road safety situation, ongoing road safety efforts, and traffic hazard reduction initiatives in the Nay Pyi Taw Union Territory. The Director-General of the Department of Medical Services explained the operational status and arrangements for implementing the Emergency Ambulance Transport System in Nay Pyi Taw.
Furthermore, the Union Minister and the Chairperson of Nay Pyi Taw Council, along with other responsible individuals, visited the “EMS 192 Command and Control Center” located at Nay Pyi Taw General Hospital (1,000-Bedded). They observed the operations, including patient transport services, ambulance readiness, and the coordination of ambulance crews. The Emergency Ambulance Transport System will operate in the townships of Nay Pyi Taw. In the event of a road traffic accident, individuals can call the emergency number “192” to request an ambulance.
EMS play a crucial role in the healthcare system by providing immediate care to individuals in critical situations. EMS are critical in providing pre-hospital emergency care and transportation to individuals experiencing medical emergencies.
In addition, EMS is crucial not only for immediate response to health crises but also for improving the efficiency, access, and quality of healthcare in the community. Therefore, EMS is an essential service that bridges the gap between emergency senses and medical facilities, providing timely care to stabilize patients and reduce the impact of emergencies.
By Dr Than Lwin Tun
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