Armed Forces' humanitarian efforts in Bangladesh recognised by WHO - Affendi

KUALA LUMPUR: The commitment and determination of the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) in helping Rohingya refugees at the Malaysian field hospital in Cox’s Bazaar, Bangladesh has earned the recognition of the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Chief of Defence Force Tan Sri Affendi Buang said the hospital’s operation proved that the MAF had the capability and integrity to carry out 'Military Operations Other Than War’, especially in situations linked with humanitarian and disaster aid.

He said the success had gained recognition from WHO, which ranked the hospital as the best, most complete and most reliable level-three field hospital.

“The team also created MAF history as this is the first time they have managed to operate a level-3 field hopsital in actual condition,” he told reporters after attending the ceremony marking the close of Ops Starlight 5 at Wisma Perwira here today.

He said 108,038 patients were treated and 3,500 surgeries were conducted, including 900 high-risk procedures, throughout the hospital’s operation.

He added that the armed forces’ hospitals would greatly benefit from the expertise and experience gained by the team upon their return home.

“A huge responsibility awaits them because after this they will be posted throughout the country to help curb the spread of COVID-19, which is on the rise again,” he said.

Affendi also described the team as heroes in carrying out the country’s humanitarian mission.

The field hospital began operations at the end of 2017 following an influx of 700,000 Rohingya refugees from Myanmar to Bangladesh due to the brutality of the Myanmar army in northern region of Rakhine.

Bernama had previously reported Senior Minister (Security) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob as saying that no other armed forces team would be sent for duty at the Malaysian field hospital in Cox's Bazaar during the COVID-19 pandemic as a precaution against the disease.

-- BERNAMA