By Lu-Fa Huang, Nay Thura, Song-Ang Bi 

The recent earthquake in Myanmar has injured over 4,000 people, straining Mandalay General Hospital far beyond its capacity. Patients occupy every available space—from hospital hallways to radiology rooms, which have been converted into makeshift wards. To address this crisis, temporary outdoor shelters equipped with air conditioning have been set up, capable of accommodating up to 120 patients. 

Temporary sick beds set up outside Mandalay General Hospital provide relief for patients. | Photo: Screenshots from Da Ai TV | Myanmar | 2025/4/9

Professor Daw Aye Aye Chi (多誒誒赤) from Mandalay General Hospital explained, “The number of patients is simply too high, so we set up these temporary tents to care for them.” 

The hospital’s emergency department is now under immense pressure as the number of trauma cases continues to rise daily. There is an urgent need for CT scanners and ambulances to transfer patients to other facilities. Professor Daw Aye Aye Chi added, “Some patients require surgery, imaging, and blood tests. We need ambulances to send them to other hospitals.” 

In response to the overwhelming demand, Tzu Chi volunteers visited Mandalay General Hospital to assess the current challenges and explore ways to provide essential medical resources. They also collaborated with local Chinese organizations, such as the Yunnan Association, to discuss relief strategies and volunteer manpower. 

En-Ti Jiang (right), president of the Yunnan Association, highlights their commitment to inclusivity in aiding disaster survivors. | Photo: Screenshots from Da Ai TV | Myanmar | 2025/4/9

President of the Yunnan Association, En-Ti Jiang, emphasized their inclusive approach, “Our focus is on helping all disaster survivors, regardless of race or religion.” 

The Yunnan Association, one of the first groups to respond to the disaster, is now shifting its focus to cleaning up affected areas and providing temporary housing for displaced residents. Their collaborative efforts with Tzu Chi highlight a shared commitment to providing relief and restoring hope. 

During the relief efforts, Tzu Chi volunteers distributed special red packets from Master Cheng Yen, symbolizing gratitude and blessings. 

Tzu Chi volunteer Nandar Aung Aye shared, “This one dollar represents infinite kindness. If one person has a kind heart, it can benefit society.” 

Through the combined efforts of volunteers and local organizations, hope is slowly being restored to the earthquake-stricken community in Mandalay.