Secretary-1 attends fourth annual meeting of Myanmar Academy of Medical Science
Myanmar Academy of Medical Science, important in realization of aims and objectives of health sector
Yangon, 13 Feb — Chairman of the National Health Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt attended the opening ceremony of the fourth annual meeting of the Myanmar Academy of Medical Science held at the meeting hall of the Institute of Nursing, here, this morning.
The Secretary-1 delivered a speech at the opening ceremony. In his speech on the occasion, the Secretary-1 said:
Now is the time when the State Peace and Development Council is striving on all fronts for the development of the State so that it can stand shoulder to shoulder with other nations of the world.
Science and technologies in each and every sector are now experiencing rapid development and therefore the Union of Myanmar, being a developing country, is having to make every endeavour to catch up with the development of other nations. At a time like this, the efforts of the national intellectuals and intelligentsia play a pivotal role for the development of our own nation.
This being so, the government is taking all the necessary measures to pave the way for the progress of the nation through science and technology and to be able to turn out highly-qualified human resources for generations to come.
With this end in view, Head of State Senior General Than Shwe urged that various think-tanks including Myanmar Academy of Medical Science be formed so as to ensure the effective development of various sectors, the key to the emergence of a modern and developed nation.
Nowadays, the government is giving a special emphasis to improving health care services nation-wide for the uplift of health and fitness of the entire people. Therefore, the endeavours of Myanmar Academy of Medical Science, which was formed especially for the health sector, are very important in the realization of the aims and objectives of the health sector.
As the State Peace and Development Council is trying for the Union of Myanmar to be as developed as other nations by enlisting the strength of national forces, it is the most fundamental prerequisite to raise the health standard of the entire nation.
Only if the entire people enjoy sound physical and mental health, will they be able to apply themselves to national development tasks. This is the reason why the government is giving a top priority to health care services for the people.
To widen and improve the scope as well as the quality of health care services, to enable the entire people to enjoy the benefits of these services equally and to speed up the momentum of the tasks for taking care of people’s health, the government is mobilizing the strength and capacity of not only medical experts in the government service and in the cooperative sector but also retired and experienced scholars.
Myanmar Academy of Medical Science came into being more than three years ago and it is very encouraging to note that the Academy is actively operating in line with its fundamental principles and rules and regulations.
Although Myanmar Academy of Medical Science does not have the direct responsibility of executing health care services, it fully cooperates in various health projects by offering valuable advice and suggestions, holding seminars and drawing plans. And the government also recognizes its services.
The four sub-committees of the Academy are also actively operating in their respective sectors.
The Myanmar Academy of Medical Science and its sub-committees have succeeded in organizing 20 medical talks and seminars. Moreover, in 2003, it held workshops on national drug policy and basic drug project, the importance of florin for dental health, nurses training, research and scrutinizing the qualifications of general practitioners.
Especially, at the Forum on Cancer in Myanmar, full notes on the spreading of cancer, operation for control of the disease, giving treatments with modern therapy and caring the dying people were presented.
In his talks on Struggle of Man against Microbes through the Ages, Myanmar Ambassador to England Dr Kyaw Win presented the competition between man and microbes in the successive eras with the use of data and photos. He presented the success in control of smallpox, leprosy and trachoma as well as the need to control malaria, TB and diseases that were in existence previously and HBV hepatitis , HIV/AIDS and Ebola blood disease which are in existence only at the present days.
In the book titled “The Conquest of Scourges in Myanmar”, published by Myanmar Academy of Medical Science in 2002, salient points on collective efforts of health staff and the people under the leadership of the Government for eradication of smallpox and leprosy, prevention of trachoma and disease related to iodine deficiency and total eradication of polio have been presented. As the book is not only important and useful to medical experts and health staff but also a record of endeavours made by the Government, I would like to urge the medical experts to try to publish similar books in the future.
As regards health care services, tasks for disease control, giving treatments, rehabilitation and positive health care services are being carried out and it can be seen that members of Myanmar Academy of Medical Science are taking part in the respective sectors where they are in. Moreover, they have also been taking part in laying down the 30-year long-term health plan, the five-year national health plan and the four-year special education plan (health sector) and giving advice to the projects such as HIV/AIDS prevention, polio eradication, setting a standard for private hospitals and basic medicine work project.
As projects are being expanded gradually, the strength of executives and members are also extended with a view to speeding up implementation of work. Thirteen new members were appointed in November 2002 and thus, there are 214 members and 15 executives now.
So, I would like to urge the members of Myanmar Academy of Medical Science to cooperate more in the health care services such as giving treatment, disease control, teaching medical science and research.
Due to the active cooperation of medical experts, there achieved many success in the field of medical science.
Kidney transplant, operation for liver disease and operation on conjoined twins are the significant milestones of Myanmar medical practitioners.
They have also made fields trips for medical care services. Maternal and child welfare tasks, the major medical plans, tasks for taking care of the aged, prevention of HIV/AIDS, DOTS programme and tasks for eradication of malaria could be carried out successfully throughout the country.
Medicines for prevention of HBV known as B virus will be produced in the country in the near future.
The two accomp-lishments that the nation can take pride in are elimination of leprosy and eradication of polio. As regards leprosy eradication plan, we have reached the goal of decreasing the Leprosy Prevalence Rate to less than 1 per 10,000 population in December 2002 except four divisions. For the whole country, the rate was reduced to 1.04 per cent, so that we will surely reach the goal of less than 1 per 10,000 in 2003.
Ministers who have attended the Third Meeting on Global Alliance for Elimination of Leprosy and the WHO unanimously acknowledged and praised that Myanmar had arrived at the stage of a leprosy free nation. This is due to the efforts of Myanmar medical experts and active cooperation of the people.
As regards total eradication of polio, there is no trace of flaccid paralysis and wild polio virus. Therefore, it will be able to announce Myanmar as polio free nation in the targeted period.
At a time when health care service is meeting its success, I would like to urge the medical experts to lend themselves to reaching the goal of the State in the health sector.
I would like to urge the medical experts to make efforts for development of the health sector in accord with the correct national path which includes the development of medical science in parallel with the other nations, nurturing skillful human resources in the health sector, development of health research, drawing health care programmes, enabling to use modern methods systematically in the health sector and flourishing of medical science in training schools and hospitals meeting the international standard.
I believe that by enhancing the cooperation of Myanmar Academy of Medical Science that mobilized the top medical experts, the goal of the State in the health sector will be achieved.
In conclusion the Secretary-1 urged the medical experts to apply their skills to be able to achieve the goal of the State in the health sector.
After the ceremony, the Secretary-1 cordially greeted those present.
Transportation plays vital role in regional development Sittaung Bridge (Shwekyin-Madauk) inaugurated as 150th facility
Yangon, 13 Feb — A ceremony to inaugurate Sittaung Bridge (Shwekyin-Madauk) built by the Bridge Construction Project Special Group-6 of Public Works under the Ministry of Construction was held at the pandal of the bridge in Shwekyin, Bago District, Bago Division, on 11 February, with an address by Member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than of the Ministry of Defence.
In his address, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than said that to mark the 56th Anniversary Union Day, the Sittaung Bridge (Shwekyin-Madauk) which is important for Bago Division was inaugurated in honour of the State and Bago Division. He continued to say that the bridge had been constructed across Sittaung River linking Shwekyin and Madauk. The 1,500-foot bridge is the third biggest one after Nawaday and Myitmakha Bridges among the bridges built in Bago Division since 1988.
Previously, local people had to rely on Z-craft to travel between Shwekyin and Madauk. Besides, the Nyaunglebin-Madauk-Shwekyin road section was often cut in the rainy season owing to the overflowing of the Sittaung River and torrential downpours. As a result, the regions on the eastern side of Sittaung River were not as developed as it should be. The regions on the eastern side of Sittaung River found it difficult to travel not only to the western side but also from one place to another on the eastern side because of destructive acts of insurgents who stayed hiding in the regions. Stability of a region and prevalence of law and order play an important role to develop its economic, education, health and transportation sectors. So, the government always invites the armed groups to enter the legal fold.
Altogether 17 armed groups understanding the genuine goodwill and correct endeavours of the government, have exchanged arms for peace, and hand in hand with the government they are making earnest efforts in implementing the projects for development of the State and their regions as well as national races. Thus, it can be seen that border areas, which were reverberating with the sound of firing guns and bombing in the past, are now thriving and being upgraded unbelievably. It is important to collectively build stability and peace in the region on the eastern side of Sittaung River.
The government has laid down projects and been implementing them in order to bridge the gap of development and to make equitable development between states and divisions as well as one region and another. Transportation plays a vital role in regional development, and so the government has been making endeavours in constructing roads and bridges. The Sittaung Bridge (Shwekyin-Madauk) has been opened today, and with the smooth transportation, it makes speedy and smooth flow of commodities and regional development. So far, the Ministry of Construction has built 150 180-foot-and-above bridges all over the country including the Sittaung Bridge, of which 13 are in Bago Division.
The opening of the bridge contributes travelling to Shwekyin in a short time across the bridge along Nyaunglebin-Madauk Road form Yangon-Mandalay Highway. Shwekyin lies in Toungoo-Kyaukkyi-Sittaung-Moppalin axis section, which is a part of Asia Highway Project to be built in the near future. On completion of the highway, one can conveniently access from Shwekyin to Kyaukkyi and Thandaung in the north of Shwekyin and Kwanseik in the south in a short time.
In Bago Division, Sittaung Bridge (Theinzayat) and Sittaung Bridge (Shwekyin) have been constructed across Sittaung River and plans are under way to construct Sittaung Bridge (Natthang-win) between Penwegon and Kyaukkyi. Depending on economic development, the State has been building roads as a network and river and creek-crossing bridges as well in the entire nation. At the same time, the government has constructed 34 irrigation facilities in Bago Division so as to improve the agricultural sector of the division. Moreover, Shwekyin Dam for the region is under construction on Shwekyin Creek near Kyauknaga Village six miles from Shwekyin.
On completion, more crops will be cultivated and produced. The Shwekyin Dam Project covers a hydel-power project as multi-purpose dam project and thus it will also contribute towards progress of the electric power sector.
In accord with the guidance of Head of State Senior General Than Shwe, road and bridge construction projects are being implemented after designating 24 development regions, and simultaneously the five rural development projects are also implemented in order to make equal development of the regions in the whole country and to narrow the gap of development between one region and another.
Successful implementation of these projects depend on the people’s unity, perseverance, having discipline and innovation.
In conclusion, he called on the people of Bago Division to join hands with government employees and Tatmadaw members to collectively make earnest efforts for cent per cent development of the division; to make effective use of the bridge constructed at a cost of huge sum of money; and to maintain it for durability.
Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than thanked the engineers and staff of Public Works who undertook the project, and members of various regional organizations and local residents who rendered assistance to the project.
Then, Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun delivered an address. He said:
Our Three Main National Causes play a key role for emergence of a peaceful, modern and developed nation. To realize Our Three Main National Causes, it is necessary to believe in Union Spirit. To forge the Union Spirit, there must be better transport between various regions. Only then, will there be more contacts between the peoples from different regions and can a close rapport be established among them. Nowadays, the Special Projects Implementation Committee led by Senior General Than Shwe is building roads and bridges as well as universities and schools region-wise for human resource development. Lakes, dams and reservoirs are being built utilizing financial resourses earned from agriculture, timber extraction, livestock and mining to develop the agro-based economy of the State. With the opening of this bridge, there will be more contacts between the people of Bago Division and Kayin State and with the people living the rest of the nation.
Bridge Construction Special Group-6 of Public Works started the construction works of the bridge on 5 December 2002 and completed it on 30 January 2003. The bridge was successfully opened after over two-year construction period. Sittaung Bridge (Shwekyin-Madauk) was built at a cost of K 1595 million. It is the 150th bridge among the 180-foot-long and above bridges since 1988. In this regard, the bridges which have been opened in States and Divisions were: eight bridges in Kachin State, five in Kayin State, two in Chin State, eight in Sagaing Division, four in Taninthayi Division, 13 in Bago Division, 10 in Magway Division, six in Mandalay Division, two in Mon State, 24 in Rakhine State, 23 in Yangon Division, eight in Shan State and 37 in Ayeyawady Division.
According to the guidance of the Head of State, the Ministry of Construction is implementing not only five-year short-term plans but also thirty-year long-term plans for equitable development of the regions throughout the country. Therefore, there were 13,635 miles of road in 1988; now there are 17,995 miles of road with an increase of 4,360 miles. Similarly, 150 bridges which are over 180 feet long across creeks and rivers have been built where necessary. In
future, continued efforts will be made for opening one bridge a month.
In conclusion, the Government is undertaking construction of roads and bridges with noble goodwill to equitably develop all the regions of the country. So, the country will have better transportation leading to economic progress. If the national brethren can promote friendly relationship, Union Spirit will develop among them. He then urged national people to make concerted efforts in building a new, modern and developed nation.
Next, Chairman of Bago Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Southern Command Brig-Gen Ko Ko spoke on the occasion. He said:
Today is an auspicious day for Shwekyin Township and Bago Division. Sittaung River is situated in the eastern part of Bago Division and Ayeyawady River in the western part. Although the regions between Ayeya-wady and Sittaung rivers are being developed and progress of other sides of the rivers lagged behind development. The Government has been building the bridges across Ayeyawady River for progress of the regions which are slow in development. Therefore, Sittaung Bridge (Shwekyin-Madauk) was opened today after its completion.
In the past, national people in Shwekyin region passed Sittaung River by boat. They faced transportation difficulties.
He said on completion of Sittaung Bridge (Shwekyin-Madauk), the local people can overcome transportation difficulties and problems. All the national people in the region can travel past the bridge joyfully. Similarly, they will be able to transport local products and foodstuff one place to another out of danger in a short time.
Now the people from Shwekyin and Madauk region can make a day trip to Yangon 100 miles away.
In the past, the commodity prices had not been stable due to poor transport. Nowadays, the bridge will contribute towards smooth transportation and stability and bringing down the commodity prices in the region as well as development and security of the region.
The commander thanked Head of State Senior General Than Shwe and party for their management for development of the regions and workers of the Ministry of Construction for their performance in building the bridge.
In conclusion, the commander urged those present to maintain the bridge for its durability and discharge duties assigned by the State.
Then, Shwekyin Township USDA Secretary U Zaw Win spoke words of thanks.
Next, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party took the designated places. At the auspicious time, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than of the Ministry of Defence, Commander Brig-Gen Ko Ko and Minister Maj-Gen Saw Tun formally opened the bridge.
Afterwards, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party posed for the documentary photo together with officials of the construction project and local people.
Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun formally unveiled the stone plaque. Then, they passed through the bridge.
In the evening, Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun hosted a dinner in honour of those who participated in the construction of the bridge.
Sittaung Bridge (Shwekyin-Madauk) was built by Bridge Construction Special Group-6 of Public Works. Upper structure of the bridge is of pre-stressed concrete and reinforced concrete and the lower structure is of reinforced concrete. The foundation of the bridge is built of reinforced concrete piles. Total length of the bridge is 1,500 feet long. The bridge has 28 feet wide motorway and a four-foot-wide pedestrian way on either side. The clearance is 80 feet wide and 12 feet high. It can withstand 60-ton loads.
Region
Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than meets with departmental officials in Nyaunglebin
Yangon, 13 Feb — Member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than, on 10 February, went to Zabuaye Tawya Monastery in Nyaunglebin Township, Bago Division, and paid obeisance to Inwang Sayadaw Saddhamma Joti-kadhaja Bhaddanta Vijaya and presented offertories to the Sayadaw. They then paid homage to Zabuaye Pagoda.
In the afternoon, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than met with officers, other ranks and their families of the local battalion at Aung Soe Moe Hall of the battalion and gave necessary instructions.
Afterwards, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than met with departmental officials at Thiriyadana Hall.
The meeting was attended by Brig-Gen Ko Ko, division/district/township level departmental officials, members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association, Maternal and Child Welfare Association, Women’s Affairs Committee, Red Cross Society and Auxiliary Fire Brigades, War Veterans Organiza-tion, and invited guests.
First, Chairman of Nyaunglebin Township Peace and Development Council U Kyaw Shwe reported on administration, economy and social conditions of the township.
Then, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than delivered a speech. In his speech, he said he frequently inspected the agriculture and livestock breeding farms, construction of roads, bridges, dams and sluice gates in the division and attended to the needs. He added he also met with departmental heads, social organizations and townselders and briefed them on implementation of rural development projects, 24 special development zones and five rural development tasks for the equitable development of the State. And economic plans being implemented by the State and region-wise tasks and plans have been explained.
The development of the State depends upon improvement of respective states and divisions. Therefore, efforts are to be made for development of States and Divisions. Bago Division is a precious land for undertaking agriculture and livestock breeding tasks. Progress in agricultural and farming sectors have been achieved.
Therefore, concerted efforts are to be made for gaining more success. Especially, Bago Division has good conditions for cultivation of beans and pulses. So, emphasis is to be placed on extended cultivation of beans and pulses.
Although Bago Division has food sufficiency, two townships in the division are not. Therefore, it is necessary to undertake tasks on extension of cultivated areas, increase of double crops cultivation and boosting of per-acre yield. Local people are to carry out poultry farming from a manageable scale to a commercial one.
To keep the towns clean and pleasant, the government organizations, departments, social organizations need to collectively carry out work for ensuring good transportation in rural regions, prevalence of law and order and community peace, he stressed. Afterwards, the meeting came to an end.
Yangon, 13 Feb — Chairman of Rakhine State Peace and Development Council Commander of Western Command Maj-Gen Maung Oo and Minister for Electric Power Maj-Gen Tin Htut on 11 February arrived at the place where Thandwe creek Hydel Power station will be built. It is near Ahtetwa Village in Thandwe, Rakhine State. They inspected approach road to the project site, designated area for dam and wetlands and the current of Thandwe creek.
Then, they went to Kyeintaly Hydel Power project site near Kalapyin Village in Gwa Township. They inspected works being carried out. In accord with the guidence of the Head of State, Thandwe Creek and Kyeintalay Hydel power projects will be implemented.
The minister gave instructions to officials on building approach roads, site office, and urged them to conduct geographical survey as soon as possible to materialize Thandwe creek Hydel Power station and Kyeintaly Hydel Power station.
Entire people of Salingyi and Yinmabin submit USDA membership applications
Yangon, 13 Feb — A ceremony to submit membership applications of the whole town to the Union Solidarity and Development Association was held in Salingyi, Monywa Township, Sagaing Division, on 8 February morning.
Secretariat Member of USDA Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan, the secretary and executives of Monywa District USDA, departmental heads and towns selders totalling over 4,000 attended the ceremony. First, the Chairman of the ceremony made a speech. Then, 3700 USDA membership applications were submitted to officials. One of the applicants explained that USDA being an association carrying out the tasks to serve the national interests, they submitted membership applications to participate in development tasks of the nation and protecting the nation from the danger of internal and external destructive elements together with the association.
Then, an executive of the township USDA welcomed the whole township submission of membership applications forms and explained the participation of Salingyi Township USDA in implementation of the five rural development tasks together with the people.
Afterwards, Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan presented K100,000 for the regional development tasks, exercise books, text books, and clothes and soaps donated by Myanmar Red Cross Society to the officials of Salingyi Township Peace and Development Council and the Township USDA. Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan also donated a computer set, a television, and a radio-cassette recorder to open multimedia classrooms in Kyatet Village Affiliated Basic Education Middle School through the headmistress of the school.
A similar ceremony was held in Yinmabin on 8 February afternoon. It was attended by Secretariat Member of USDA Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan, USDA members, officials and townsfolk totalling over 3,500.
A total of 2,889 applications were handed over to Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan, who then presented K 100,000 for regional development, exercise books, text books and, clothes and soap bars donated by the MRS to the officials of the Township Peace and Development Council and the Township USDA. Sagaing Division and Monywa District USDAs also donated books to the town.
At the USDA membership applications submission ceremonies, Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan said certain regions of the country as well as border areas lagged behind in development due to instability of the regions around 1988. Consequently nation-building tasks could not be carried out. So the country lagged behind others in development. Instability is due to the deterioration of national unity. Therefore, the government has striven to strengthen national unity patiently encountering difficulties. As a result of the government’s efforts, 17 national race armed groups had returned to the legal fold and it had been able to implement development tasks with might and main. Now, fruits of development could be seen in every region. As a result of the cooperation between the government and the public, developments never known in successive eras could be witnessed in the states and divisions. All the national races were enjoying the fruits of development. No internal and external destructionist participated in the organizational and development tasks of the country. They even destroyed the existing stability and development of the country. They were trying to instigate the 17 peace groups and the people to cause misunderstanding between the government and people and destroy the stability and development of the country. External destructionists, using various kinds of media to fabricate false accusations including human rights, democracy, narcotic drugs, forced labour, and sexual abuse against of Myanma Tatmadaw on Shan national girls, were instigating the people to destroy the stability and development of the country. Without unity, there could be no stability and nation-building tasks could be put into a standstill. Development of the country already achieved could be harmed. Without unity, internal strife, bloodshed and hardship in the economy, transportation, education, and health sectors could occur in the country as in some other nations. Instigation of internal and external destructionists to destroy the stability and development of the nation must be checked.
Internal and external destructionists were continuing their wicked scheme to prevent the foreign investment from flowing into Myanmar and to organize those who had already invested in Myanmar to withdraw their enterprises, to hinder foreign assistance for the development tasks of Myanmar, to halt Myanmar’s trade with other countries and to prevent tourists from visiting the country.
In conclusion, Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan urged those present to crush all the destructionists in accordance with the People’s Desire and to cooperate with constructive forces, to carry out the development tasks together with constructive forces, and crush all the saboteurs.
Yangon, 13 Feb — Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe inspected regional development tasks and agriculture and livestock breeding tasks in Hmawby and Hlegu Townships on 10 February morning.
First, the commander inspected upgrading of 12-foot-wide laterite road into the tarred road leading to Yangon Division Vegetable and Poultry Farming Special Zone. Then, the commander saw over the special zone-1 and gave necessary instructions. Next, the commander inspected cultivation of vegetables and breeding of fish and raising of layers being undertaken by private entrepreneurs. The departmental officials reported on supply of water from Kalihtaw Dam to the special zone-3.
At the briefing hall in the special zone-3, Col Tin Tun of Phugyi Station and officials welcomed the commander. Then, officials and private entrepreneurs reported on agriculture matters and livestock breeding tasks. After hearing the reports, the commander attended to their needs.
Ministries and private entrepreneurs are undertaking agriculture and livestock breeding tasks at Yangon Division Vegetable and Poultry Farming Special Zone. A total of 4,675 acres of vegetables are being cultivated and over 790,000 layers and broilers are being bred. A total of 650,000 chickens have been sold and remaining 130,000 are being bred. In addition, one million fish are being bred in over 500 fish ponds.
Unloading of steel frames inspected
Yangon, 13 Feb — Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun arrived at No 3 jetty in Sule Port this evening and inspected unloading of 5198 tons of steel frames to be used in construction of Thanlwin Bridge (Mawlamyine). The minister gave instructions on work-site safety.
Minister inspects soap factory project, tyre and rubber factory
Yangon, 13 Feb — Minister for Industry-2 Maj-Gen Saw Lwin, arrived at the project site of 40-ton soap factory in Paung Township, Mon State, on 11 February and inspected the test running of the factory and buildings under construction. After hearing reports of responsible officials, the minister gave instructions on water supply and production tasks, and safety measures.
On 12 February morning, the minister went to No 1 Tyre and Rubber Products Factory in Thaton Township and inspected tyre manufacturing machines and tyre production process. Then, the minister gave instructions on test running of new machines, meeting the production target, minimizing loss and wastage and efficient use of fuel and electricity.
MRI Machine donated to Sanpya Hospital
Yangon, 13 Feb — A ceremony to donate MRI machine to Sanpya Hospital (Thingangyun) by Diayukai Medical Foundation in Japan was held at the meeting hall of the Ministry of Health on Pyidaungsu Yeiktha Road at 2 pm today.
First, Deputy Medical Superintendent of Diayukai Medical Hospital Dr H Murase explained the purpose of the donation and handed over the documents related to the machine to Minister for Health Prof Dr Kyaw Myint.
Then, the medical superintendent of Sanpya Hospital spoke words of thanks.
Next, the minister, together with the deputy minister and officials, inspected MRI Machine in X-ray Department in Sanpya Hospital. Engineer Mr T Nagayo and officials of Hitachi Medical of Japan explained about the machine.
40th Gems Empo from 15 to 23 March
Yangon, 13 Feb — The 40th Myanma Gems Emporium will be held at Myanma Gems Mart from 15 to 23 March in 2003. Local gem merchants will be permitted to attend and buy gems and jewellery in competitive bidding with the intention to study foreign gem markets, to deal and discuss with foreign merchants on gem industry in accord with the market economy.
During the gems emporium, arrangements will be made for the local gem merchants to sell their gems on the ground floor of the mart.
Those wishing to attend and open the gems and jewellery shops at the emporium are to contact Myanmar Gems Enterprise (Head Office) as soon as possible.
Union Day delegates entertained
Yangon, 13 Feb — The film artistes and comedians presented entertainment programmes in honour of the 56th Anniversary Union Day to the Union Day delegates of States and Divisions at the National Theatre on Myoma Kyaung Street this evening.
The Union Day delegates and traditional cultural troupes also performed entertainment programmes to the audience. Present were Minister for Culture Maj-Gen Kyi Aung, Chairman of Union Day Dinner and Entertainment Sub-committee Deputy Minister U Soe Nyunt and officials.
Yangon, 13 Feb — The government has been making systematic efforts to conserve the forest resources and taking legal action against timber smugglers.
A combined team comprising members of the local intelligence unit, Tatmadaw columns and Myanmar Police Force and staff of the Forest Department, acting on information that timber in the Nam Mei and Naung Pa forest reserves in Mansi Township, Kachin State, were being smuggled out, combed the areas from 11 to 17 December 2002 and seized five illegal loggers together with 129.357 tons of teak, and eight saw mills. Similarly, the combined team combed areas on Moemaik-Manton Motor Road in Moemaik Township, near Mantha, Marlin, Thantada, Mongkhaung, Gantgaw, Phinedan and Yeputin Villages in Mansi Township, Thayagon and Myohla Villages in Shwegu Township and Thamandaunt Timber Jetty in Katha Township from 7 January to 2 February 2003 and seized 250.8534 tons of illicit sawn timber including 222.06 tons of teak, 705 viss of Te-hnit, 34 trolley, two boats made up of teak and one illegal saw mill.
Likewise, a combined team comprising members of the local intelligence unit and Myanmar Police Force and staff of the Forest Department, acting on information, seized 46.061 tons of illegal teak 142 logs in the areas near Thonze Dam, Buson Creek, Thabyu Creek and Pyar Creek in Thayawady Township on 14 January; 102 logs of Pyingadoe 61.686 tons, 30 logs of teak 21.924 tons and 20 logs of Htaukkyant wood 13.866 tons totalling 99.476 tons in No (8) plot, Laungtaung forest reserve in Gangaw Township on 18 January; and 96 illegal logs of teak 25.139 tons near Thewa Creek in Mayaninn Village and Thonze Creek in Hlelangu Village in Thayawaddy Township on 20 January.
Moreover, a combined team comprising members of the local intelligence unit and Myanmar Police Force and staff of the Forest Department, acting on information that the timber smugglers were smuggling illegal teak logs out, seized 8.5504 tons of illegal sawn teak aboard the Nissan vehicle with number plates 2 Ka/4779 near Hnithsaungpyaing Village in Toungoo Township on 4 January and 18.183 tons of illegal sawn teak aboard the Fuso vehicle with number plates 2Kha/4689, Toyota Sprinter with number plates 3Ka/2779 and four representatives of the owner of the illegal teak on 5 January. Severe action will be taken by authorities concerned against the timber smugglers.
Religion
16th Shwekyin Nikaya Gana Sanga Meeting held
Yangon, 13 Feb — The 16th Shwekyin Nikaya Gana Sanga Meeting was held at Kangyi Pariyatti Monastery in Nyaungshwe, Shan State (South), this morning.
Present were State Ovadaçariya Shwekyin Nikaya Dhipati Ukkatha Maha Nayaka Dhammasenapati Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhammajotika Sasanabaing Nyaungshwe Kangyi Pariyatti Monastery Sayadaw Bhaddanta Vimalabhivamsa, Joint-Sasanabaing Sayadaws, State Ovadaçariya Sayadaws of Shwekyin Gana and members of the Sangha totalling 460 together 11 Shwekyin Gana member Sayadaws from Sri Lanka, Japan, Thailand, the United States of America, Canada and the United Kingdom, local authorities, departmental officials, members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association, social organizations, wellwishers, lay disciples and guests.
Sayadaw Bhaddanta Vimalabhivamsa presided over the meeting together with co-chairman State Ovadaçariya Shwekyin Nikaya Upaokkatha Maha Nayaka Joint-Sasanabaing Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Mandalay Maha Withokdhayon Taikthit Waso Sayadaw Bhaddanta Agghiya. Mandalay Awaiyayama Yankin Monastery Sayadaw member of the State Central Working Committee of the Sangha Agga Maha Ganthavaçaka Pandita Bhaddanta Odatasiribhivamsa acted as master of ceremonies.
At the meeting, Sayadaw Bhaddanta Agghiya read out the Ovada Katha of the Sasanabaing Sayadawgyi.
On behalf of the Minister for Religious Affairs, Deputy Director-General U Htin Myo of the Religious Affairs Department supplicated on religious affairs.
Then, Sayadaw Bhaddanta Butapitiyesamita of Arnanda Vihara Monastery in Indigolla Ganpaha of Sri Lanka, on behalf of the Shwekyin Nikaya of Sri Lanka, read out the Dhammasandesa Katha.
Chancellor of Sitagu World Buddha University on Sagaing Hill Agga Maha Pandita Agga Maha Saddhammajotikadhaja Sayadaw Bhaddanta Ñanissara supplicated on the list of members of the Sangha from abroad and read out the Sandesa Katha of Sri Lankan Shwekyin Nikaya.
Next, Waso Sayadaw Bhaddanta Agghiya explained rules for election of Shwekyin Nikaya Rattañu Maha Nayaka and Working Committee Nayaka.
In the afternoon, Shwekyin Nikaya Rattañu Maha Nayaka Myaungmya Zeyamedani Sarthintaik Sayadaw Bhaddanta Dhammapiya gave an Ovada Katha.
Mandalay Maha Wizitayon Taik Sayadaw Bhaddanta Viçarindabhivamsa supplicated on matters related to Pariyatti Sarthintaiks of Shwekyin Nikaya.
Mandalay Maha Withokdayama Taik Yadanabonmyint Kyaung Sayadaw Bhaddanta Visuddhi read out the list of Sarthintaiks.
Then, biographies and prestige of Shwekyin Sayadaws, history of Shwekyin Gana and the paper on missionary of the First Shwekyin Sayadaw were read.
The meeting continues tomorrow at the same venue.
Under the auspices of parents of Ayethaya Myothit in Taunggyi, wellwisher U Maung Maung Aung-Daw Mi Mi Khaing and family offered ‘soon’ to members of the Sangha.
Hailing the 16th Shwekyin Nikaya Gana Sanga Meeting, Maha Dhamma Kahtika Bahujana Hitadhara Mya Sekkya Sayadaw Bhaddanta Lekkhana, Agga Maha Pandita Tipitakadhara Dhamma Bhandagarika Yaw Sayadaw Bhaddanta Sirindabhivamsa and Agga Maha Pandita Maha Saddhammajotikadhaja Maha Dhamma Kahtika Bahujanahitadhara Sad-dhamma Sitagu Sayadaw Bhaddanta Ñanissara (D-Litt) will administer Dhamma Desanas at Aung Mingala Dhammayon at 7 pm daily up to 15 February.
International Relations
Yangon, 13 Feb — Minister for Education U Than Aung received Educational Adviser Dr Charles Currin of Asia and Pacific Region at Diamond Jubilee Hall at 2 pm today.
Work Shop on anti HIV/AIDS opens
Yangon, 13 Feb — With the cooperation between the Ministry of Health and UNICEF, Workshop to promote media participation in Anti-HIV/AIDS Educative Measures was opened at Grand Plaza Park Royal Hall at 9 am today.
In-charge of UNICEF Dr Pirkko Heinonen and Deputy Director-General of Health Department Dr Soe Aung made speeches.
The participants in the Workshop made discussions in groups on anti-HIV/AIDS educative measures. The Workshop continues tomorrow.
Yangon, 13 Feb — Under the supervision of the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism and arrangement of the Ministry of Transport and Myanmar Lotus Asia Tours Ltd, a chartered flight Lauda Air Boeing 767/300 carrying 82 Italian tourists landed at Yangon International Airport at 12.20 pm today. Officials of the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism and Myanmar Lotus Asia Tours Ltd and national race girls of the cultural dance troupe of the Myanma Hotels and Tourism Services welcomed them at the airport.
The tourists will visit Yangon, Bagan, Popa, Mandalay, Pindaya and Inle trip in two groups and leave here on 20 February.
Diplomats of embassies in Jakata, Indonesia, leave Yangon
Yangon, 13 Feb — The visiting study group including ambassadors, diplomats and their families of foreign embassies in Jakata, Indonesia, left here by air this afternoon. Under the arrangement of Myanmar Embassy in Indonesia, they arrived here to observe the progress in Myanmar.
The study group comprising ambassadors of Mozambique, Chile, Bosnia, Herzegovina and Brazil to Indonesia and their wives, wife of Hungarian ambassador to Indonesia, military attaché of Portuguese and Italian Embassies, diplomats of Germany, French and Italian embassies, led by wife of Myanmar Ambassador to Indonesia U Kyaw Myint Daw Win Win Nyunt, arrived here on 9 February. They were hosted a dinner by Director-General U Win Mya of the International Organizations and Economic Department at Karaweik Palace. During their tour in Myanmar from 9 to 13 February, they visited pagodas, museums and production of Myanmar traditional handicraft in Bagan, NyaungU and Mandalay.
Drug
Marijuana trafficker sentenced
Yangon, 13 Feb — A combined team comprising members of local intelligence unit and Myanmar Police Force, acting on information, searched the house of Than Myint (a) Aar Yin of No (211), Shwe Wa Tun Street, (104) Ward, Dagon Myothit (South) Township, on 26 April 2002, and seized 494.93 grams of marijuana.
Dagon Myothit (South) Police Station filed against Than Myint (a) Aar Yin, 33, son of U Than Tun, under Section 15/19 (A) of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law.
Yangon East District Court handed down 20 years’ imprisonment on him under Section 19 (A) on 30 December.
