In brief
In the wake of a severe 7.7-magnitude earthquake that shook Mandalay on March 28, 2025, the city's hospitals are overwhelmed, with patients lying on cardboard and concrete due to a lack of space. Medical professionals, already under strain from the country’s ongoing civil unrest, are facing unprecedented challenges.
In the parking lot of Mandalay General Hospital, dozens of patients, some seriously injured with bandaged heads and limbs, found themselves lined up on stretchers or directly on the ground. The oppressive heat further complicated their plight as temperatures soared to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Dr. Kyaw Zin, a surgeon at the hospital, expressed despair over the inadequacies available for both patients and medical staff, lamenting, “The cotton swabs have almost run out.” The earthquake struck just as he was preparing for surgery, forcing doctors and patients alike to flee outside.The healthcare system in Myanmar was already fragile before the earthquake. Following a military coup in 2021, which resulted in ongoing political turmoil and violence, the healthcare sector faced crackdowns against professionals participating in civil disobedience efforts. With communication systems disrupted and aftershocks continuing, the true extent of casualties remains unknown, adding to the chaos experienced by emergency response teams. The junta admitted they did not have a full casualty count as infrastructure damage further complicates relief efforts in already conflict-affected regions.Despite the turmoil, the World Health Organization is deploying trauma supplies to support local healthcare providers struggling to meet the needs of the disaster's victims. The urgent care and compassion displayed by healthcare workers shine through despite a backdrop of fear and overwhelm, as Dr. Kyaw Zin puts the lives of his patients above his own worries regarding family members cut off by the crisis.As the situation develops, humanitarian aid and international assistance remain imperative for aiding both the wounded and the healthcare professionals risking their lives amid a devastating earthquake.
