speech delivered by Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) Vice-Senior General Maung Aye at the graduation parade of the 3rd Intake of Defence Services Institute of Nursing and Paramedical Science today.

Comrades,

You have completed not only military training as platoon commanders but also the studies of nursing and paramedical science. Now I will impart you what you need to know as you are about to be commissioned in Defence Services medical unit.

Comrades,

Our Tatmadaw has been a patriotic one which was born of the people after struggles for regaining independence with unyielding spirit. Tatmadaw members are morally good and well disciplined. They dare to sacrifice for the State and the people sidelining their own personal interest. They are united and industrious. They have courage to overcome any difficulties. This is why all the people greatly admire and put trust in them. The people and the Tatmadaw fought against the fascists together.

After the fight against the fascists, Tatmadaw leaders struggled for the independence by entering into national politics. They, after building national reconsolidation, founded the Union of Myanmar as the sovereign nation.

National consolidation plays a vital role in national politics of Myanmar where over 100 national races have been residing unitedly since yore. So, the patriotic Tatmadaw has always upheld Our Three Main National Causes — Non-disintegration of the Union , non-disintegration of national consolidation and perpetuation of sovereignty.

Comrades,

The 12 fine traditions of the Tatmadaw are also included in Tatmadaw history. You are to protect these traditions of the Tatmadaw. Looking back to the history of Defence Services medical unit, it was found that patriotic doctors and nurses participated in independence struggles without having any privileges. There were those who were decorated with medals for their gallantry while participating in battles together with infantry troops. In addition, there was a Tatmadaw member doctor who was able to serve even as a infantry Brigade Commander. Thus, you, comrades are required not only to discharge medical duties but also to take part in battles as a platoon leader. You all will have to take further courses.

Comrades,

According to the motto of Defence Services medical unit, you are responsible for the good health of the Tatmadawmen and their families. Besides, you are to provide health care to the public as well wherever you are assigned. Knowledge and prevention are perquisites for good health. To be fit, we need to live in a healthy life style.

You are also urged to apply traditional as well as western medical science. As Myanmar traditional medical science is effective, the Ministry of Health is taking measures for the improvement of traditional medical science by establishing Traditional Medicine Department. So, the traditional medicine has flourished as University of Traditional Medicine has been established and traditional medicine exhibitions and paper-reading session are being held annually. Since rural people rely on traditional medicine, it is more popular in rural areas. Traditional medical science should be studied thoroughly as Myanmar traditional medicine is potent and its herbal plants are growing in all parts of the country.

You, comrades, responsible for public health care are to strive to become qualified ones as you will have to take more advanced training courses.

Comrades,

When the Tatmadaw started assuming State duties, the country was in poor condition in all aspects as a result of anarchy. To build a genuine democratic nation according to the wishes of the people, peace and stability of State is essential. The citizens need to be economically strong and have good education.

Therefore, priority has been given to peace and stability and rule of law. At the same time, systematic measures have been taken to improve political, economic and defence powers by laying down the State 12 objectives.

Comrades,

In building a peaceful, modern and developed nation, the Head of State himself initially supervised the work for the progress of border areas and national races.

To ensure the equitable development of all regions of the State, 24 special development regions were designated to improve regional economy, health and education. Five rural development tasks are being undertaken in rural areas where 70 percent of the population live. A network of economic and social infrastructures have been built in all corners of the country.

Hence, GDP has improved more than targeted. Per capita incomes have also increased many times compared to the time when the Tatmadaw assumed the State duties. Education and health standards of the people have significantly improved. The Tatmadaw has taken systematic steps to serve the interests of the State and the people. Now the seven-point Road Map of State is being implemented to shape a discipline-flourishing democratic nation.

Delegates representing more than 54 million people made up of more than 100 national races are attending the National Convention. They came from almost all of the townships of the country. They include all strata of life such as workers and peasants as well as those from political parties. I would like to say that all national people are marching towards a developed nation in accord with the Road Map.

In conclusion, I would like to urge you, comrades, to safeguard the 12 fine traditions of the Tatmadaw; to show your skills when there arises occasion to fight in battles; to make coordinated efforts for the fitness of the people; and to try your utmost to become qualified ones in accord with the objectives of the Defence Services Institute of Nursing and Paramedical Science by upholding Our Three Main National Causes.

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