( 1 ) 16,000-member Myanmar Nurses Association urged to stand as qualified national force
Secretary-1 addresses opening of 46th Nurses Conference

YANGON, 23 Feb- A ceremony to open the 46th Nurses Conference of Myanmar Nurses Association was held in the meeting hall of the Institute of Nursing this morning, addressed by Chairman of National Health Committee Secretary- 1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.

The Secretary-l said that at a time when the government is striving for the uplift of standard of health of national people and improvement of health care as a national duty, the efficient and dynamic association which mobilizes and unites nurses who play an important role in providing health care, is a reliable basis for the uplift of standard of health of national people. Myanmar Nurses Association, formed in 1948, has extended over a period of 50 years, and it is an association steeped in tradition. Further more, the association is organizing and leading member nurses, firmly standing as an efficient and dynamic national force and having an active part in national tasks.

It is no wonder MNA made up of nurses who are imbued with such noble qualities as being honest, having a heart of gold, being kind hearted, being indulged in common welfare activities and looking after patients with kindness and care, is taking the lead in promoting national interests. However, it merits commendation. All the members are to strive with national outlook to enable MNA with the membership of over 16,000 and 168 branches to firmly stand as a qualified national force on which the State relies. The State Peace and Development Council, enlisting the strength of the entire national people, is working with might and main for the all-round development of the Union of Myanmar. In this regard, an objective calling for the uplift of health and fitness of standard of all the national people was laid down and is being implemented.

At the same time, to ensure the improvement of living standards of all 'he national people and the uplift of standard of health and education, national health plans and national education plans are being put into motion. The national health plans are designed to pay more attention to preliminary health care for the people and to provide health care not only in rural areas but also in border areas. Strategies have been laid down to enable the people to enjoy the best of health while working in the interests of their families, their community and their country. With the aim of providing effective health care for the people, promoting the quality of public health care and enabling all the national people to enjoy-the equal access to health care services, rural dispensaries, rural health care centres and hospitals have been opened in the entire nation.

Hospitals and specialist hospitals have been opened in cities of states and divisions, and district hospitals and township hospitals upgraded. Measures are being taken to improve the standard of hospitals to such an extent that modern medical treatment and medical equipment can be used. At district hospitals, special care units have been opened, and modem diagnostic and treatment equipment has been provided. As public health care services have become extensive and is making progress, the qualitative and quantitative improvement of nurses who are playing an increasingly larger role in public health care services has become a very important health requirement. Institutes of nursing and nurses training schools, midwifery training schools, the primary health university and training schools have been set up to produce qualified health employees such as nurses, midwives, woman health employees and health assistant officers and. to provide effective health care services in border areas and rural areas.

Moreover, advanced nursing courses are also being opened to produce specialist nurses for special medical treatment and operations. To train enough qualified nurses, midwives and woman health employees, one institute of nursing each has been opened in Yangon and Mandalay, 18 three-year nursing diploma training's schools, one advanced nursing training school, one nursing field-training school and one dental health nursing training school in Yangon and every state and division, 16 midwifery training schools, one house-to-house midwifery training school and one woman health employee training school in states and divisions. Before 1988, there was no institute of nursing but six nurses training schools, 16 midwifery training schools and four nursing-related training schools. So, the increase in the opportunities of the nurses world can be guessed.

According to the aims of the health sector covered by the special four-year national education promotion plan, arrangements are being made to open more nursing training schools to produce 1,000 nurses every year instead of 500 to ensure that the ratio of doctors to nurses is one to three. In 1987-88, there were 8,299 nurses and in 19992000, there were 12,821 nurses. Bridge courses have been opened to enable nurses to do the B.N.Sc course, and the M.N.Sc course will be opened in 2001-2002 academic year. There are now professor nurses in Myanmar; some of the nurses have been sent to Australia to attend doctorate courses; thus there will be nurses holding PhD degrees in Myanmar. Hospitals have been extended and senior administration officer positions for nurses, created. Today's nurses have better opportunities for the advancement of their life.

As they are being promoted to higher levels and technical posts, nurses should strive to uplift their qualifications to be able to widely conduct public health care promotion tasks and to be skilled in advanced treatment and surgery functions in addition to their normal duties. As public health care task has been broadened beyond the scope of treatment and reaching disease control and prevention, promotion of public health care promotion care and rehabilitation fields, nurses should strive to serve duties in accord with the developing trend. Nurses who are serving duties at hospitals, dispensaries and rural heal care centres should take part with might and main in giving health and hygienic education to the public. The government in is efforts to uplift the asocial and economic life of the national races is giving priority to the progress of rural areas where majority of the population lives.

Good education and health foundations play a vital role in uplifting the socioeconomic life of the rural people; the dutiful services of health staff, midwives and nurses who are engaging in rural health care promotion task are directly contributing to realizing the State's goals, they should exert more efforts in implementing their tasks. MNA in cooperation with WHO is implementing the Patient Centred Nursing Care Project at North Okkalapa Hospital - in Yangon,Hpa-an People's Hospital in Kayin State and Central Women's Hospital in Mandalay Division for emergence of the Patient Centred Nursing Care Model in Myanmar. It is required for-MNA to help bring out sincere and skilled nurses possessing humanitarian spirit as development and effectiveness of public health care services depends on them. As the virtues and qualities of Myanmar nurses such as high qualifications, potency, obedience, amicability, duty consciousness, kindness and goodwill have been acknowledged internationally, they should collectively strive to maintain these virtues and qualities.

It is encouraging to see members of MNA actively taking part in the national health movements such as National Immunization Days and National Environment Day. They should maintain the momentum of their activities which are important in promoting public health care standard. Participants at the conference should harmoniously exchange know ledge in striving to uplift the various fields of the health sector. Nurses should strive to always win the public trust and reliance. In conclusion, he urged the nurses to strive to become qualified and patriotic nurses serving as the main pillar in uplifting health and fitness of the entire national people under the leadership of MNA. The Secretary- 1 and party then inspected the photos on the activities of MNA (Central) and its subordinate bodies.

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( 2 ) Commander attends opening of Traditional Medicine Clinic in Thabaung

YANGON, 23 Feb- The Traditional Medicine Clinic in Thabaung Township, Ayeyawady Division, was opened in front of the clinic on 19 February.

It was attended by Chairman of Ayeyawady Division Peace and Development Council Commander of South-West Command Maj Gen Thura Shwe Mann and party, the Chairman of Pathein District Peace and Development Council, departmental officials, members of social organizations and local people. The commander formally opened the clinic. Then, the documents related to the centre were handed over to the head of the clinic. Later, the commander and party inspected the centre. The deputy head of the clinic accepted the cash donated for the centre.

The commander and party proceeded to Thabaung Township People's Hospital and inspected the health care services and construction of an extended building. The commander gave instructions on agriculture, livestock, education, health and transport to officials. Afterwards, the commander inspected Basic Education High School, Thabaung, and work being carried out for construction of 200 ton Pulp Factory under the Ministry of Industry-l and attended to the needs. The commander then met with officials of No 4 Plywood Factory of Myanma Timber Enterprise in Pathein and gave instructions.

Agriculture, Livestock Breeding and Industrial Development Trade Fair 2001 opens

YANGON, 23 Feb- A ceremony to open the Agriculture, Livestock Breeding and Industrial Development Trade Fair 2001, sponsored by Shweayeya Co Ltd, was held at Tatmadaw Convention Centre on U Wisara Road in Dagon Township this morning.

Present were Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin, Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung, Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone, Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing, Minister for Information Maj-Gen Kyi Aung, Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Col Thein Nyunt, Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein, Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Mayor U Ko Lay, Deputy Minister for Livestock and Fisheries U Aung Thein, Deputy Chief of the Office of Strategic Studies and Deputy Director of Defence Services Intelligence Maj-Gen Kyaw Win, senior military officers and officials. Minister Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein and Director of Shweayeya Co Ltd U Than Aung formally opened the fair.

Then, ministers and guests viewed booths of the fair. A total of 86 booths of 28 local and foreign companies participate in the fair. The fair is opened to all from 9 am to 6 pm daily till 25 February. Admission is free.

Commander inspects construction work in Amarapura Township

Yangon, 23 Feb- Chairman of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Central Command Maj-Gen Ye Myint, accompanied by Mandalay Mayor Brig-Gen Yan Thein, Commander of Tactical Operations Command Col Tun Kyi and departmental officials, inspected construction of Strand Road (Shwekyetyet Section) near Shwekyetyet Pagoda in Amarapura Township, and gave instructions to the officials. Then, the commander and party inspected construction of Moegaung Creek Bridge on Strand Road in Amarapura Township. Later, the commander inspected tasks being carried out for the greening and beauty of Mandalay Lake, and gave instructions to the officials.

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( 3 ) Minister meets with export entrepreneurs

Yangon, 23 Feb - Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone met with peas and beans export entrepreneurs at the ministry this evening. Also present were the adviser to the Ministry of Commerce, directors-general, managing directors, deputy directors-general, directors, the Vice-President and officials of the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, officials of Myanmar Peas and Beans and Sesame Dealers Association and guests. The minister spoke of issuing permits for exporting peas and beans, and encouraged all to contribute to the meeting. Vice-Chairman of UMFCCI U Htain Win and Vice-Chairman of MPBSDA U Sein Win Hlaing also spoke. Then, the minister made concluding marks.

Minister U Aung Thaung meets foreign guests

Yangon, 23 Feb- Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung met Managing Director Mr Ubaldo Pannacci of GPN Asia Ltd of Italy, which was based in Hong Kong, at 4 pm today and Chairman Mr Lin Zai You of Yunnan Machinery & Equipment Import & Export Corporation (YMEC) and party at 5 pm at his office. Also present at the calls were Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Win and the directors-general and managing directors of departments and industries under the ministry.

UMFCCI CEC member meets officials of British Council

YANGON,23 Feb- Central Executive Committee member of Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry Chairman of Economic and Education Committee U Sein Win Hlaing and members met Director and Cultural Attache of British Council Mr Graham Millington and Ms Tracey Maclennan of LCCI Examination Board at the head office this afternoon. They discussed matters relating to Applied Accounting & Management Course and UMFCCI Level I, II and III courses.

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( 4 ) 46th Nurses Conference of Myanmar Nurses Association held

Yangon, 23 Feb-  The 46th Nurses Conference of Myanmar Nurses Association was held at the hall of the Institute of Nursing on Bogyoke Aung San Street this morning.

Present were Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein, Deputy Ministers Prof Dr Mya Oo and Prof Dr Kyaw Myint, Director-General Dr Paing Soe of Medical Research Department, Chairperson of Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association (Central) Prof Daw Kyu Kyu Swe, Chairperson of Myanmar Nurses Association Daw E Barbaro and Executive Committee members, delegates of states and divisions and guests.

First, Matron Daw Grace Philip presented special prizes to winners in the model nurses contest; Vice-Chairperson-3 of MNA Daw Aye Myint, model trainee awards to respective trainees; Vice-Chairperson-1 Daw May Win, special trainee wards to respective trainees; and Chairperson Daw E Barbaro, gifts to calendar cover girls. Deputy Minister Prof Dr Kyaw Myint presented first, second and third model nurses association branch awards to Hpa-an Township Branch, Pakokku Township Branch and Lashio Township Branch respectively. Deputy Minister Prof Dr Mya Oo presented first, second and third model nurse awards to Ma Maw Maw Win of Magway Division Nurses Training School, Mi Yi Mon of Mon State Nurses Training School and Saw Jeremy James of Yangon General Hospital Training School respectively. Minister Maj-Gen Ket Sein presented first, second and third model nurse awards to U Gin Gaw Khaing of Taze Township, Lt Thida Aye of Defence Services General Hospital and Daw Thuza Pyone of North Okkalapa General Hospital respectively. Director-General Dr Paing Soe of MRD and Deputy Director-General Dr Hla Pe of Health Department presented prizes to the nurses who won awards for Excellence Performance in Social Field (Third Class).

Then, the minister and the deputy ministers presented medals for the model nurses association branch, the model trainee nurse and the model nurse to respective winners. Afterwards, a general round of discussions followed. The officials presented certificates of honour to wellwishers. In the evening, the Chairperson of MNA hosted a dinner in honour of the delegates at the institute.

Minister inspects Garment Factory in Mayangon

Yangon, 23 Feb- Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung, together with Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Win and departmental heads, arrived at No-4 Garment Factory of Myanma Textile Industries at No 62, U Tun Nyein Street, Mayangon Township this morning. The minister inspected the plot chosen for the extension of the factory and production and maintenance work, and gave necessary instructions. Factory Manager Daw Aye Kyi Kyi reported on condition of production work and raw materials, and Managing Director of MTI U Oo Thein Maung gave a supplementary report in the briefing hall of the factory. The minister urged the officials to work hard, draw up plans for the next fiscal year and strive to boost production.

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( 5 ) Wellwishers present donations for Tatmadawmen

Yangon, 23 Feb-  A ceremony to present cash assistance to Tatmadawmen who are discharging military operations duty in the far-flung areas of the country and to families of those who passed away in the line of duty near Hpa-an through the Office of the Strategic Studies of the Ministry of Defence was held at the Tatmadaw Guest House at No 16 on Ooyin Road at 5 pm today.

Present were Deputy Chief of the Office of Strategic Studies and Deputy Director of Defence Services Intelligence Maj-Gen Kyaw Win, senior military officers of the OSS and wellwishers. Managing Director U Tin Htut of Metroasia Myanmar Ltd presented K 11.5 million donated by Metroasia Myanmar Ltd, Shwe Thanlwin Co Ltd, Metroasia Factory Ltd, (Hercules Spray Fertilizer), Asia Express, Suntac International Trading Co Ltd, Myanmar Seafood Ltd, Shwe Thrawun Shae Hsaung Fishery Ltd, Pinya Manufacturing Co Ltd, Myanmar Awba Ltd, IT Link Group, Myanmar Automobile Group, Myamar Paper and Stationery Ltd, U Thurein Win and wife and Myanmar Megasteel Industries Ltd to Deputy Chief of the OSS Maj-Gen Kyaw Win, on behalf of the Chief of the Office of Strategic Studies. Similarly, on behalf of the Chief of the Office of Strategic Studies, Deputy Chief of OSS Maj-Gen Kyaw Win accepted K 7 million donated by Kanbawza Bank Ltd and K 1 million by Super One Co. Then, Managing Director U Tin Htut of Metroasia Myanmar Ltd explained the purpose of the donations. Afterwards, Deputy Chief of OSS Maj-Gen Kyaw Win spoke words of thanks.

Auditor-General inspects account offices in Sagaing Division

YANGON, 23 Feb- Auditor-General Brig-Gen Tin Aye together with Director-General of Auditor-General's Office U Khin Maung Lin and officials inspected district/ township account office in Hkamti and gave instructions to the staff on auditing. The Auditor-General met with Hkamti District/Township level departmental officials on 15 February, with staff of Homalin Township account office on 17 February, with Homalin Township level departmental officials on 18 February morning, with staff of Phaungpyin Township account office on 18 February evening and with Phaungpyin Township level departmental officials on 19 February morning.

On 19 February evening, he also met with staff of Mawlaik Township account office, with township level departmental heads on 20 February morning and with account officers of township account offices in Kalaywa on 20 February afternoon. On 21 February he inspected Kalay Township account office. In his meetings, the Auditor-General gave instructions on auditing, management and regional development and fulfilled their needs.

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( 6 ) Myanmar-Japan Pre-primary Children Friendship Arts Exhibition opened

Yangon, 23 Feb- The opening ceremony of Myanmar-Japan Pre-primary Children Friendship Arts Exhibition, organized by Ko Ko Ro Volunteer Group and Social Welfare Department, was held at Lawkanat Arts Gallery on Pansodan Street in Kyauktada Township this morning. Present were officials of Social Welfare Department and Library, Museum and Exhibition Supervisory Committee, teachers of pre-primary schools under the department and guests. On behalf of the Director-General, Director U Khin Aung, Manager of Lawkanat Arts Gallery U Aung Tun and Mr Jimbo and Mrs Jimbo of Ko Ko Ro Volunteer Group formally opened the exhibition. Director U Khin Aung made an opening speech. Mr Jimbo and Manager U Aung Tun spoke words of thanks. Altogether 170 paintings including 50 paintings of Fukuda Pre-primary School in Arka City, Japan and 120 paintings of pre-primary schools and day care nurseries of Social Welfare Department were on display at the exhibition.

New BEPS opens in Taninthayi Township

Yangon, 23 Feb- A ceremony to open a new basic education primary school in Kyauklongyi Village, Taninthayi Township, Taninthayi Division, was held at the new school on 4 February morning. Present on the occasion were local battalion commanders, Township Assistant Education Officer U Kaung and departmental personnel, townselders, teachers and students and over 1,000 local people. The school was built at a cost of over K 3 million by local people.

Myanmar Trade Fair continues

YANGON, 23 Feb- Myanmar Trade Fair 2001 continued for the second day at Yangon Trade Centre in MingalaTaungnyunt Township today. Quartz International Co Ltd organized the fair with the permission of Ministry of Commerce. It will continue till 25 February and admission is free.

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( 7 ) Conference of ENT Surgeons on 25 March

Yangon, 23, Feb- The 13th Conference of Ear, Nose and Throat Surgeons will be held at New Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital (Yangon) from 25 to 27 March.Before the conference, Workshop on Temporal Bone Surgery will also be held from 21 to 24 March at the same venue. ENT Surgeons Association Executive Committee has again reminded those wishing to attend the workshop to register in advance and to attend the conference.

Kyemon and Myanma Alin dailies to be printed and distributed in Mandalay

YANGON, 23 Feb-  Kyemon and Myanma Alin dailies will be printed in Mandalay and distributed directly to the townships in Mandalay Division, Sagaing Division, Kachin State and Shan State (North) starting from I May 2001.

Agents for the papers in Mandalay need not go and collect the papers at Mandalay International Airport (TadaU) and are to collect the papers at sub-printing house of Kyemon and Myanma Alin dailies in Mandalay (formerly Myo Myint Cinema) Palengweyaung Street, Aungmyaythazan Township, between 20th Street and 21st Street and between 82nd Road and 83rd Road. -Those who want to subscribe the papers from above mentioned States and Divisions may contact township offices of Information and Public Relations Department Subscribers will have to deposit monthly fee K 120 for each paper in advance. Arrangements will be made for publishing and distributing the papers in Myitkyina, Taunggyi, Kengtung, Magway, Kalay, Hpa-an and Sittway.

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