"The general state of healthcare in Myanmar (also known as Burma) is poor. The military government of 1962-2011 spent anywhere from 0.5% to 3% of the country's GDP on healthcare. Healthcare in Myanmar is consistently ranked among the lowest in the world. In 2015, in congruence with a new democratic government, a series of healthcare reforms were enacted. In 2017, the reformed government spent 5.2% of GDP on healthcare expenditures. Health indicators have begun to improve as spending continues to increase. Patients continue to pay the majority of healthcare costs out of pocket. Although out of pocket costs were reduced from 85% to 62% between 2014 and 2015 and continue to drop annually, compare it to the global average of healthcare costs paid out of pocket, which is 32%. Both public and private hospitals are understaffed due to a national shortage of doctors and nurses. Public hospitals lack many of the basic facilities and equipment. WHO consistently ranks Myanmar among the worst nations in healthcare."
Seeing the healthcare situation in the country of his heritage, Trenton Gin endeavors to be a catalyst of change through the Golden Land Restoration Foundation. From policy change and increased international investment in healthcare in Myanmar, his efforts raise the access and availability for ordinary citizens. Trenton is motivated to study medicine and become a physician to help those with the greatest need.
Trenton Gin welcomed the Myanmar's Minister of Health during his first visit to the United States in Los Angeles.
Trenton Gin has been a volunteer at the Burmese Association of Southern California for many years. Initially, he helped Burmese immigrants who did not have access to basic medical services and did not understand vaccinations.
He is part of a Burmese medical access coalition in Los Angeles, Community Partners International (CPI). It partners with the Myanmar Ministry of Health to provide healthcare to the ethnic minorities in Myanmar, which comprise 40% of the country's population. He has been doing healthcare access research through CPI for over four years.
During COVID-19, Trenton added a project to assess how COVID-19 affects the health needs of ethnic minorities in Myanmar.
Trenton Gin's second visit with Myanmar's Minister of Health took place in Nay Pyi Daw, Myanmar in 2018. They discussed topics such as vaccine donation, flood victim rescue, medical research collaborations between the US and Myanmar, and also how to effectively promote healthcare information for Burmese citizens on social media.
A report has been submitted to the Minister of Health to outline the process of locking down and reopening Yangon, Myanmar due to COVID-19.