MAE TAO CLINIC

The Mae Tao Clinic, founded by Doctor Cynthia Maung, provides healthcare in the region for Burmese refugees. The clinic holds a semi legal status and many challenge its legitimacy as the employees who are providing the care, though they all receive training, have no recognized certification. Nevertheless many European and American volunteers offer their expertise to the clinic. This consists of several departments such as pediatrics, maternity, a laboratory, a prosthesis workshop for victims of mining accidents (about 250 each year), a treatment center for patients suffering from malaria, a dental service, a surgical center, acupuncture services, ophthalmology and a center for HIV patients. The clinic receives over 150,000 burmese and ethnic minority patients each year. Still, the staff works in rudimentary conditions and is in great need of aid and subsidies.