I have several questions about the 'first private hospital to open a centre dedicated to treating tuberculosis':
Does this hospital admit inpatients? Treatment of tuberculosis is done as an outpatient.
Why not just improve public facilities? Is there something inherently better about private facilities?
The article doesn't mention tuberculosis treatment at Sun quality clinics. They are private.
Why is the Global Fund giving money to run this service? What is the advantage over other investments?
Jamie
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First private TB treatment centre opens
Shwe Yee Saw Myint and Myint Kay Thi
Myanmar Times
Monday, 01 June 2015
Toe Linn Aung in Yangon’s North Dagon township has become the first private hospital to open a centre dedicated to treating tuberculosis.
Labs and technicians will be provided by the Myanmar Medical Association TB program with funding from the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.
Dr That Maung Naing, who manages the association’s TB program, said the MMA had begun urging private hospitals to open TB care centres last year. While many were interested, he said it was “very difficult” due to a lack of specialised staff and equipment.
“We believe helping the private sector to open TB health centres can reduce the infection rate and encourage patients to seek early treatment. Most hospitals don’t want to accept TB patients because of the risk of infection,” he said, adding that about 20 state hospitals accept TB patients.
Dr That Maung Naing said one or two private hospitals would open TB care centres next year with the support of the MMA TB program.
The infection rate for tuberculosis is 373 people per 100,000, according to the 2013 Global TB report.
Dr Ba Shwe, an executive committee member of Jivitadana Sangaha Hospital, said introducing TB care in the private sector was a positive development.
Currently, patients found to have TB symptoms are referred to the township health department but not all patients seek treatment at the government centres.
“Though the doctors refer them to the health department, some patients don’t go,” he said. “If the TB clinic is operating in a private hospital, patients can get a check-up immediately, as well as early treatment.”
http://www.mmtimes.com/index.php/national-news/yangon/14780-first-private-tb-treatment-centre-opens.html
