A New Charity Project in Burma: Shwe Pyi Hein Eye Hospital of Yangon (Rangoon)

I have recently committed to raising funds to help an eye hospital in Rangoon run by a monk who is renowned in Burma for his social welfare work. In September I visited the hospital and the monk to observe first-hand what they are doing. After reading this, if you wish to donate, please let me know.

The clinic opened in November of 2004 and since that time has been run completely on a donation basis. All treatments given here are free. Over ten years, the hospital has grown larger, even through all the political upheaval. Although it is known as an eye hospital today, thanks to donations from Burmese they are able to provide care for patients in need of:

1. General Medical Treatment
2. Diabetes treatment
3. Ear and Nose treatment.
4. Pediatrics
5. Dental
6. Veterinary (!)
7. Acupuncture
8. Skin Diseases
9. Gynecology

In August of 2006 the hospital began sending out mobile teams of doctors, nurses and medical staff to various wards around Yangon on a regular routine.

From its opening in 2004 until today, Shwe Pyi Hein Clinic has offered free medical serves to over 460,000 patients. The cost of treating over 200 patients everyday is about $320 a day or about $9500 a month. Another $6000 a month is necessary to pay for staffing, upkeep, automobile expenses, and general expenses.

About 150 patients a month undergo eye operations. Patients are allowed to stay overnight at the hospital after surgery. Everything is free, including food and medicine as well as transport to and from their homes. Accommodations are also provided for the doctors and nurses who perform the surgeries. Moreover, accommodations are also provided for accompanying family members of patients.

The present hospital was constructed using donations from the Monk’s association and the general public. The hospital including apparatus, beds, etc. cost about 400,000 dollars. All doctors, nurses and medical staff are volunteers as are most of the office staff. The address of the clinic is Shwe Pyi Hein Monastery, Pyi Thar yar, Bauktaw, Yankin Township,

​Yangon. Tel; 95-1- 541493, 95 9 730 56569,
email; [email protected],
Web Page: www.shwepyihein.org