Vice-Senior General Maung Aye addresses Graduation Parade of the Sixth Intake of the Defence Services Institute of Nursing and Paramedical Science

The following is translation of the speech delivered by Vice-Senior General Maung Aye, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army), at the Graduation Parade of the Sixth Intake of the Defence Services Institute of Nursing and Paramedical Science at the parade ground of the Defence Services Medical Academy in Yangon today.

Comrades,
On this occasion of the Graduation Ceremony of the Sixth Intake of the Defence Services Institute of Nursing and aramedical Science, I would like to give guidance solemnly as to what you should be aware.Comrades,The aim of the De-fence Services Institute of Nursing and Paramedical Science is to produce skillful nurses, paramedical and pharmaceutical professionals with physical and intellectual aptitude for the National Tatmadaw which will safeguard Our Three Main National Causes.Comrades, With a view to providing training and education to you, more than 20 departments of academic subjects have been set up in this Institute. The Directorate of Studies and the Department of Paramedical Science have been effectively teaching Myanmar, English, Mathematics,Chemistry, Physics, Botany and Zoology as foundation subjects, Anatomy, Biochemistry,Physiology, Microbiology and Computer Science as supplementary subjects,and Pharmacology, Pathology,Radiology and Physiotherapy as major subjects. In addition, with regard to nursing, the subjects of Adult Care, Family Care, Nursing Aid,Public Care and Psychiatric Care are also being
taught. Likewise, a library has been set up for trainees with an aim for their broader studies. To date, this Institute has already produced a total of 1,034 graduates, and the number will reach 1,143 if your batch is concluded.In terms of subjects,those graduates comprise 935 nurses, 54 pathologists, 52 radiologists, 46 physiotherapists and 56 pharmaceutical professionals.
Comrades,
Your senior graduates have earned a good reputation because of their firm belief in Our Three Main National Causes, their relentless endeavours to be qualified both physically and intellectually, their fervent desire for further dutifulness in accordance with the motto: “Enthusiasm, Cetana (Goodwill) and Sacrifice”. With respect to further studies, a graduate of the First Intake has already received a Master’s Degree in Nursing Care, and the number of trainees currently pursuing their studies for Master’s Degrees has reached 18.

There will also be opportunities for outstanding graduates to continue their further studies for Doctorates.In this onnection, I would, first of all, like to urge you to do your utmost bearing in mind and fulfillment of the objectives of the Mother Institute.Comrades, If I may expound Our Three Main National Causes, namely Non-disintegration of the Union,Non-disintegration of national solidarity and Perpetuation of Sovereignty, these causes have been our national responsibilities handed down by the history. You would have learnt bitter lessons from a number of world events,in which certain States have become weaker after disintegration of their union owing to the external intervention in the midst of their conflicts resulting from the disintegration of national unity as well as those which have become puppet governments after losing their sovereignty.Comrades,If we look back to the origin of our national races,there were bodies of evidences which showed that human races have inhabited in our country since 40million years ago. However,complex geographical location hindering communication,divergence of climates has resulted in emergence of various languages,and diverse costumes,cultures, customs,and traditions and this has led to the emergence of more than a hundred national races.However, our national brethren, like a myriad of fruits stemming from a single stalk, have lived in unity through weal or woe,with wisdom taught by blood relations. They have been moving around for their livelihood in the country as freely as they desire. In this way, our national brethren have inhabited the length and breadth of the country maintaining the undividable unity and solidarity.Notwithstanding their cohesiveness, seeds of discord were sowed among our national brethren by colonialists and colonial historians through insurgencies were rampant throughout the country.Development projects were done in vain as the roads, bridges and schools constructed were destroyed by the insurgents.Education and health levels of the national races in the remote border areas were seriously affected as the staff in these sectors were quite reluctant to serve in the border regions for lack of security there.This is why the human resource development of the State lagged behind to some extent.Comrades, After assuming the responsibilities of the State, the Tatmadaw has systematically implemented the infrastructures projects in every corner of the country including the border areas for the human resource development and the development of the State. The Tatmadaw’s relentless efforts for the national reconciliation have achieved significant improvements.As of now, 17 major national race armed groups and many small splintered groups have returned to the legal fold and have been working together with the Tatmadaw Government for the development of their respective regions. Therefore, all the national races nowadays are enjoying the fruits of peace and stability.In order to avoid recurrence of the bitter experiences of the past, all the citizens of the State must steadfastly uphold “Our Three Main National Causes” as a national policy.Comrades,Let me continue to touch upon the physical and mental prowess. These twin capabilities are qualities that must be acquired and exist together. As patriotic Tatmadawmen, you must have physical strength and military knowledge to be able to safeguard the State. Likewise,you must also have courage, bravery and strong will to crush your enemies. You can carry out your duties well in thebattlefield with your medical knowledge and expertise.Likewise, if required,you must be able to command your troops to combat and to defeat your enemy.Therefore, you will be given further training such as Platoon Commander Course, Company Commander Course and Commanding Officer Course in compatible with the respective ranks.Comrades,There have been many fine examples of the members of the Tatmadaw Medical Corps who were honoured for their distinguished bravery and sacrifice in the battlefields since the pre-independence period.As you have already committed to sacrifice the lives and limbs for the country, you must have the right attitude in demonstrating your courage to sacrifice your life. As you must work hand in hand with the infantry troops for the duties of medical care in the battlefields, you must have the spirit of good Tatmadawmen to learn combat experience willingly.
Comrades,
To become a good Tatmadawmen, you must strictly observe the codes of conduct of the Tatmadawmen. Similarly,you must have the five basic qualities such as spirit,discipline, loyalty, unity and three capabilities which are of necessary requirements for each armed force and Tatmadawman.You must also have the desire to carry on the twelve traditions of the Tatmadaw.In this way, you will be able to fully serve three major responsibilities of the Tatmadaw, namely tocombat, to undergo training and to carry out nationbuilding task for the people.Similarly, in your primary duties of medical care, you have to keep records of significant experiences.In encountering some difficulties in the field, you have to learn from experts. In addition,your have to provide continuous medical care to each and individual Tatmadawman, their familymembers, and the public by systematically keeping their health records.

Comrades,
Today, the Tatmadaw has exerted relentless efforts for the simultaneous development of the whole country by laying down Three Special Projects. They are Project for the Development of Border Areas and National Races,Project for Development of Special Regions and Project for Development of the Rural Areas. While serving duties at the assigned places, you will have to take care of the health and well-being of the public in order to contribute to the success of the health sector of the three special development projects. Comrades,In conclusion, I wish to urge you to

- Protect “Our Three Main National Causes” by sacrificing your own lives,

- Try to become a Tatmadawman with sound physical and mental prowess,
- Strictly observe the codes of conduct of the Tatmadawmen,
- Try to be endowed with the five basic qualities which are essential requirements for every armed force and Tatmadawman,
- Try to acquire much battlefield experience,

- Serve the interests of the people by participating in the development activities of the State, and
- Continue your further study in nursing and pharmacology to become specialists.