Indian traders to organize free medical camp in Burma

The Burmese Embassy in New Delhi has approved the opening of the camp in July, Yumnamcha Dilipkumar, President of the Indo-Myanmar Border Traders' Union (IMBTU) told Mizzima.

Given the inadequate health facilities in Myanmar's border villages and towns, the Indian traders had initially planned to sponsor the free medical camp on May 21.

However, the turmoil in the Indian border town Moreh resulted in the closure of all border gates, leading to the postponement of the camp.

The Union of Myanmar Trade Chamber of Commerce led by its President U Hla Maung during a visit to India in February had approached the IMBTU to organise a camp in Tamu Township in Burma's Saigang division.

"We need to have a joint meeting with Burmese traders for the proposed camp" Dilipkumar said. The joint meeting would be held as soon as possible to organise the in July, he added.

Earlier, the Shija Hospital and Research Institute, a private hospital with world class facilities near Manipur's state capital, announced that it would conduct surgery on cleft lip or palate patients in Myanmar free of cost.

The IMBTU, in an effort to boost bilateral trade between the two countries has also proposed an International Trade Fair to be held either in Imphal, capital of Manipur or Moreh, this year.

However, the Manipur government in its recommendation to the Indian Commerce Ministry has proposed that the fair be held in Myanmar's Tamu town.

"It's good that the fair is being organised, but we want it to be held either in Imphal or Moreh" Dilipkuma said.