The Mindat People’s Administration Team announced on April 27 that it is needed to restore Vumthu Hospital in Mindat Township, Chin State, which was damaged by the military junta’s airstrike.
Vumthu Hospital is located about 28 miles north of Mindat Town, and the military junta attacked it with two jet fighters at 8:00 p.m. on April 25.
As a result of the airstrike, five patients and attendants receiving medical treatment at Vumthu Hospital have been killed so far, and around 15 people have major injuries and 15 people have minor injuries, said Salai Yaw Mang, the spokesperson for the Chin National Council (Mindat).
“The hospital ward, patient room, operating rooms, X-ray machines, X-ray rooms, laboratories, etc.—everything was damaged. Then the warehouse, and then the funds for the hospital, cash, diesel, fuel, etc., and all other equipment would be lost more than MMK 1,000,000,000 (one billion kyats)” he told MPA.
It is reported that those injured by the airstrike have been separated due to the fear of further airstrikes. Although there are doctors, nurses and health workers, there are no medical supplies and surgical equipment, so it is very difficult to provide medical treatment.
Vumthu Hospital is a hospital trusted by the local people and revolutionary soldiers not only in Mindat Township but also in Southern Chin State, Sagaing, and Magway Regions. It was attacked by nearly 20 rounds of howitzers and 60 rounds of heavy weapons from the 274th Infantry Battalion, based in Mindat Township, between 2023 and 2024.
“I think Mindat Township is the township most affected by air strikes. It was hit by heavy weapons. I have to say it is because the revolution is strong here,” said a local man in Mindat Township.
On February 15, 2023, the soldiers of the military junta, who came in a convoy, destroyed the entire Vumthu Hospital and burned all the medicines, chairs, medical wardrobes, surgical equipment, X-ray machines, tables, drinking water buckets, etc.
“Surgeons and nurses cannot be in a short time. There are many doctors and nurses. There are experts, if we can find the necessary medicines, equipment and facilities as soon as possible, we will be able to resume these medical treatments immediately. We need to start again,” Salai Yaw Mang said.
Vamthu Hospital provides health care for revolutionary soldiers and people not only in Southern Chin State but also in Sagaing and Magway Regions. The Mindat Township People’s Administration Team has requested donors provide support to be able to restore and operate the hospital.