Hopes For Healthcare Reforms Under New Government

YANGON, BURMA - FEBRUARY 11: Patients lineup outside the free Thukha Charity Clinic waiting to put their name down for the next days doctors list in Botataung Touwnship, February 11, 2013 in Yangon, Burma. The free health clinic sees some 150 patients a day, with many people forced to sleep in line for several days to get on the examination list, for many across the country these clinics are their only option for basic healthcare as government run clinics are unaffordable. As the country goes through sweeping political and economic reforms, many are hopeful that after decades of neglect the healthcare system will also benefit from the changes. Although health budgets have increased the state health system is still underfunded and struggles to provide basic healthcare as well as essential medicines for treating HIV, Malaria and TB. With sanctions being lifted it is hopeful that again the flow of medical equipment, medicines and the presence of NGO's will increase. (Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Images)