Hidden Hospital treats Myanmar War Victims

SCRIPT:

INTRO

A Christian aid team recently visited a hidden hospital in Myanmar that’s providing life-saving care to victims of army attacks.  CBN News reporter Chuck Holton takes us into the war zone with the medics who treat wounded civilians and fighters.

REPORT

VO: In Myanmar, a long-running conflict between the military rulers and ethnic minorities has intensified. Amidst chaos, humanitarians known as the Free Burma Rangers provide critical medical care to those in need.

CHUCK HOLTON, CBN NEWS, MYANMAR (Stand up): “So we’ve just arrived at a hidden hospital deep in the jungle in Kareni State. The reason it’s hidden is because the Burmese Army makes a habit of bombing hospitals, even civilian ones. This particular hospital was partially funded by the Free Burma Rangers. And they are doing everything they can to keep it hidden to the point where we had to hike in here for about 15 minutes through the forest instead of driving up here so that they can’t find it as well.”

DAVE EUBANK, Founder, Free Burma Rangers: “We’re now in Karenni State at a little hospital we call Dr. Luca’s Hospital or Luke’s Hospital. And here is a life-saving place. Hundreds of people have come here shot and wounded, especially since the coup. Every hospital I know of in Kearney State has been bombed and destroyed, including the hospital this started at.”

VO: Before we could finish this interview, two gravely wounded Karenni men were brought in and WORKERS sprang into action.

Dave: “Joe! Joe!  We’ve got wounded here!”

VO: The all-volunteer staff work under great personal risk to treat the wounded and sick in the midst of war. Among them is Tom Avery, a German surgeon felt called to use his skills for those in need.

TOM AVERY, German Surgeon: “In the recent years, I always had it in my heart, this strong desire to do this type of work. Just couldn’t find the right opportunity. And also not the right organization for me. Which would combine Christian faith and humanitarian work. And after praying and after thinking about it a long time, it just seemed the right fit. And I have not regretted my decision since then.”

VO: During our visit, enemy scout planes flew over looking for the hospital each day, giving our team a taste of what life is like for civilians here.

HOLTON Stand up: “The Burma Army has now called in fighter jets and so I am taking shelter in this drainage ditch.”

NAT SOUND: Fighter Jet drops bombs on us

DAVE EUBANK: “Thank you Jesus, please help them miss again.”

VO: There’s a growing need for this kind of care as consistent bombing drives more villagers from their homes.  Eubank’s group is now helping fund a second hospital, also hidden in the jungle.

LINN LIZHO, Hospital Administrator: “The Free Burma Rangers gave us so much help you know.  The female ward over there was donated by the Free Burma Rangers.”

VO: As the civil war here continues, the Burmese army is losing ground to a unified front of militias and defectors and hospitals like this one are a desperately needed lifeline for families displaced by the conflict.

LINN LIZHO: “I would like to thank everyone who is helping us.  You know, living in the jungle and working in the jungle to save a life is very difficult without your support, you know.

VO: From the jungles of Burma, I’m Chuck Holton for CBN News.