Mae Tao Clinic Position on the Current Political Situation...Mae Tao Clinic?s Role During the Transition Period...Recommendations to the Burmese Government and Other Actors Engaged in Local and National Dialogue...Mae Tao Clinic?s Recommendations to the International Community.....Mae Tao Clinic (MTC) is cautiously optimistic about the positive developments made by the Burmese government in the past year. While the political reforms and tentative ceasefire agreements bring a degree of hope, the chronic humanitarian crisis facing the ethnic displaced and rural populations has yet to be addressed. The following points demonstrate that the recent political changes have yet to deliver positive change in the economic, political, social and health status of disadvantaged ethnic groups assisted by MTC: 1. The patient caseload at MTC continues to rise despite euphoria over the reforms; MTC still experienced a 5% increase between 2010 and 2011, receiving almost 117,000 cases last year. One sign of genuine commitment by the Burmese government not only to positive political reform, but also to advance the welfare of the entire population, would be a substantial decrease in patient numbers at MTC and an equivalent rise at the nearby government-run hospital across the border in Myawaddy, Burma. This has yet to happen; Myawaddy Hospital continues to refer cases to Thailand due to their poor facilities. Last year over 3,000 babies were born at MTC, in comparison to the 1,200 born at Myawaddy Hospital. Furthermore, MTC continues to receive patients from Burma with malaria, tuberculosis and HIV, despite the fact that government hospitals, such as that at Myawaddy, are supposed to have specific programmes to treat these conditions. Until we see more patients opting for treatment at government facilities, we cannot yet assert that the political developments are enabling better access to quality, affordable public services. It will take much time and investment to strengthen the healthcare system, particularly in ethnic areas, after decades of neglect by the Burmese government. 2. There has also been a 30% increase between 2010 and 2011 in the number of unaccompanied children supported by MTC who have crossed the border to seek protection and education in Thailand. MTC now supports almost 3,000 displaced children, many of whom have been sent to Thailand to escape conflict and the risk of being recruited as child soldiers or child labourers. A lack of opportunity to access education beyond primary level, as well as a lack of means for families to pay for education also remain key push factors. May 2012 1 P.O. Box 67, Mae Sot, Tak 63110, Thailand. 865 Moo 1, Intarakiri Rd., Tha Sai Luad, Mae Sot, Tak Province 63110 Fax: (055) 544-655, email: [email protected] Despite recent political dialogue, the situation for ethnic and rural children remains poor in Burma and no decrease in enrollment rates at migrant schools is anticipated for the upcoming academic year..."