‘The Telepsychiatry Clinic On-the-Run’: How a Unique Tele-Mental Health Clinic Is Thriving in the Midst of Political Turmoil in Myanmar
Nilar Thwin, Khin May Lwin, Paing Soe, Yan Lin Aung, Ei Thin Zar Thwe

TL;DR
A telepsychiatry clinic in Myanmar provides mental health care during political turmoil and the pandemic, showing how telehealth can help in conflict zones.
Contribution
Demonstrates the feasibility and effectiveness of telepsychiatry in delivering mental health services amid political instability and conflict.
Findings
The Tele Mental Health Clinic was established after the 2021 coup to address mental health needs in Myanmar.
The clinic uses innovative recruitment methods and continues to operate despite risks of persecution.
Telepsychiatry is shown to be a viable solution for mental health care in conflict-affected regions.
Abstract
Aims: The WHO estimated that 1 in 5 people living in conflict areas have some form of mental disorder. On top of this, limited access to mental health care in these areas continues to amplify the issue. However, hope can be found through the increased use of telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has opened the opportunity to apply the platform in conflict zones. The pre-existing need of mental health services in Myanmar was aggravated by the 2021 coup and the ongoing COVID 19 pandemic. The Ministry of Health (MOH) of the National Unity Government (a chosen government formed with democratically elected MPs) developed a system of free telehealth care. The Tele Health Clinic was initially composed of healthcare workers from the liberated borders of Myanmar and later joined by local/international clinicians. The Tele Mental Health (MH) Clinic was then opened in August 2021 to…
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Taxonomy
TopicsMental Health Treatment and Access
