Mae Tao Clinic

Mae Tao Clinic

Mae Tao Clinic

The Mae Tao Clinic is a community-based health service provider located in Mae Sot, Thailand. It was established in 1989 by Dr. Cynthia Maung, a Burmese doctor who fled to Thailand following the 8888 Uprising in Myanmar. The clinic primarily serves the Burmese migrant population and internally displaced persons along the Thailand–Myanmar border.

History

The Mae Tao Clinic was founded in response to the lack of healthcare services available to the Burmese refugees and migrants who fled to Thailand due to political unrest and economic hardship in Myanmar. Initially, the clinic operated out of a small house with limited resources. Over the years, it has grown significantly, providing a wide range of medical services.

Services

The clinic offers a variety of healthcare services, including:

• Primary care
• Maternal and child health
• HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment
• Tuberculosis treatment
• Malaria prevention and treatment
• Dental care
• Eye care

The clinic also provides training for healthcare workers and supports community health education programs.

Challenges

The Mae Tao Clinic faces numerous challenges, including:

• Limited funding and resources
• Political and logistical barriers
• High demand for services due to the large number of Burmese migrants and refugees

Despite these challenges, the clinic continues to provide essential healthcare services to underserved populations.

Impact

The Mae Tao Clinic has had a significant impact on the health and well-being of the Burmese migrant community in Thailand. It has become a model for community-based healthcare in resource-limited settings and has inspired similar initiatives along the Thailand–Myanmar border.

Related pages

• Cynthia Maung
• Thailand–Myanmar border
• Burmese people
• 8888 Uprising