Editorial

Right from the launching of MJCMP in October 1996 the aims of the journal were stated as follows;

1. To disseminate medical knowledge, scientific and technological information and practical guidance to medical practitioners especially at the primary and secondary levels of healthcare in order to improve the quality of healthcare in Myanmar.
2. To serve as a forum for the exchange of experience in healthcare practice, and thereby mobilize the potential of knowledge and experience that exists in Myanmar.
3. To become an instrument of self learning and continuing education to the medical profession and a source of learning to those undergoing training at undergraduate and postgraduate levels for whom especially, it is hoped that the material in the Journal would encourage critical analysis and rational decision making during professional practice.

These aims hold true up to the present. We have never undertaken any study to find out whether these aims were achieved and the levels of their achievement. Please allow us to make a somewhat subjective assessment of their achievement.

• Aim 1. Among the three aims, this we believe is the one most achieved. The Journal was able to present updated information on nearly many aspects of clinical practice and on technological advancements. To cite a few examples – the article “Understanding Electrolytes” authored by Professor Hla Yee Yee provided the essential knowledge required for effective medical practice. It need be mentioned that the article was read by over five thousand readers. Articles on technological advancements like CRISPR and targeted therapy for cancer and Gene Drive were also presented in the issues so that our readers would be able to keep up-to-date with developments. Advances in treatment of diseases were presented and discussed by leading specialists in respective fields.
• Aim 2. We will have to admit that this aim appears to be the weakest in our achievement. It was intended right from the inception of the Journal that the Journal would serve as the forum where our readers can exchange experiences regarding their practices. We feel that each and every medical practitioner is unique, which cannot be replaced by another, and that their experiences if shared with others in the medical field will benefit all concerned. However over the years we have received very few articles from our primary and secondary level medical practitioners from the districts. We would like to take this opportunity and again request our primary and secondary level medical practitioners in the districts to share their experiences through our Journal as our Journal now online in an electronic format is available worldwide. The Editorial Board members are ready to help you in any way to prepare an article for the Journal.
• Aim 3. This aim is concerned with serving as an instrument for self- learning and continuing education of undergraduate and postgraduate medical trainees and medical practitioners. When the Journal was first published as hard copy in paper format, at least ten copies of the Journal were donated to the libraries of all Universities of Medicine. It would be interesting to find out the usage of these Journals by the students and practitioners, and whether the Journal influenced their critical thinking and rational decision making during their professional practices.

The Editorial Board would like to pay tribute to the founders of the Journal, Professor Aung Than Ba Tu, Professor Maung Maung Sein, Professor Daw Khin Nyunt and Dr U Thaung, for identifying these aims, which are still valid today, to improve the quality of healthcare in Myanmar.