Attachments
Between February 2021 and November 2024, hospitals and clinics across Shan State were occupied at least 15 times by armed groups. These occupations have had severe consequences for medical neutrality, leading to hospital closures, forced evacuations, displacement of health workers and increased risk for patients.
What We Know
- Health facilities have been occupied by the Myanmar Armed Forces (MAF) and various ethnic armed organizations, including the TNLA, MNDAA, and UWSA.
- Occupied facilities were often converted into military bases, bunkers, or shelters, denying civilian access to care.
- In some cases, occupations were preceded or followed by mass killings, patient removals, or total shutdowns.
- Hospitals in towns like Lashio, Nawnghkio, and Hsihseng have been directly affected.
Risks Identified
- Conflict zones and MAF-controlled areas, especially in Northern Shan, remain prone to occupations.
- Public hospitals, NGO-run clinics, and rural health posts are all vulnerable.
- Health workers, patients, and aid staff are often displaced or arrested during takeovers.
Practical Tips
- Minimise risks: Develop contingency plans to evacuate staff and patients safely during potential occupations, and remove or secure sensitive medical supplies (e.g. medicine stocks) to prevent their seizure.
Coordinate with local authorities: Engage with local leaders to advocate for the neutrality of health facilities. - Establish protocols for negotiating with occupying forces to protect staff, supplies and infrastructure.
Action to Take
- Share this guidance through team briefings, training sessions, and visible posters in clinics and health coordination hubs.
- Adapt these messages to your security environment.
These are just some steps that health providers in Shan can take to protect health care services from occupation and militarization through preparedness and coordination.