Muslim Free Hospital, Burma

MUSLIM FREE HOSPITAL

Hear the name Burma and immediately we mentally flip to the Rohingya and their persecution by the Buddhists.

However, the war-ravaged country stands a testament to the glorious teaching of Islam. The Muslim Free Hospital in Rangoon was established in 1937 by a group of Muslim leaders who wanted to care for the poor who had no access to medical care. The initial investment came entirely from Muslims.

The Muslim Free Hospital still exists and is still funded by the donations of Muslims of Myanmar. From political activists freed after years in Myanmar’s jails to stricken and impoverished families, all are welcome at Yangon’s Muslim Free Hospital.

The hospital has never discriminated based on religion, ethnic group, or income. The Muslims of Myanmar are still the major donors for the medical care of poor Muslims, Buddhists, Christians, Hindus, or member of any religion.
Religious diversity is reflected by the employees of the Muslim Free Hospital as Muslim, Buddhist, and Christian doctors and nurses all work together with respect.

The quantity and quality of care given with the hospital’s limited resources would be unimaginable in a first-world country. Yet, patients pay only what they can afford and in many cases do not pay at all.
There are medical, surgical, maternity wards, and a special unit for eye patients. The hospital has x-ray facilities, pharmacy, ultrasound unit, and operating rooms. The outpatient clinics care for 450 outpatients a day. Forty-five doctors work and donate their time to the hospital.

In a complicated world with horrendous events occurring daily it is refreshing to see a beacon of shining light coming from a group only concerned with helping others. It serves as a reminder to us that Muslims have a perfect code of ethics that could reform the world.

Annisa Essack