Malaysia has handed over the Malaysian Field Hospital (MFH) Complex at Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar to the government of Bangladesh.
The handing-over of MFH Complex and medical equipment (Level-1) with an estimated value of more than $2 million signifies Malaysia’s continuous commitment and solidarity with Bangladesh in addressing the Rohingya crisis.
It is a testimony of the long-standing and close bilateral relations between the two brotherly nations, the embassy said.
High Commissioner of Malaysia Haznah Md Hashim and state minister for disaster management and relief Dr. Md. Enamur Rahaman represented both sides during a ceremony on Saturday in Cox’s Bazar.
It was formalised when both representatives signed the ‘Friendship Plaque’, the embassy said.
Colonel Dr. Mohamed Zaki Mohamed Mokhtar, Head of MFH’s Administrative Team, Shah Rezwan Hayat, Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner of Bangladesh, and senior government officials from both countries were present during the ceremony.
MFH was the first field hospital established in Cox’s Bazar during the early days of the crisis in November 2017, to provide immediate healthcare response to the Rohingya refugees.
MFH ceased operation in March 2020 as its main mission in providing Level-3 medical response has been accomplished.
In its efforts to serve those in need, MFH gained the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recognition as “the best, most well equipped, and most trusted” Level-3 Hospital.
It subsequently became a referral hospital in the district. The medical and health services provided by MFH had prompted not only Rohingya refugees, but also the local populace to seek treatment at MFH.
Throughout its operation from November 2017 to March 2020, the total number of patients treated at MFH was 108,038 people. MFH personnel had also performed more than 3,500 surgeries, including 900 high-risk surgeries.
In addition, more than 200 laparoscopic surgeries which are rarely conducted at other field hospitals were also successfully conducted at MFH.
Malaysia said it has been and will continue to highlight the Rohingya plight through bilateral and multilateral fora towards finding a long-term and sustainable solution to the crisis.
In this regard, Malaysia will continue to support Bangladesh in its efforts to handle the Rohingya refugees.
