Thai surgeons continue colon surgery outdoors after quake tremors force them to evacuate hospital

A dramatic image of medical personnel performing surgery outdoors after an earthquake has gone viral, drawing widespread praise on social media.

The photo, shared by Facebook user "Tony Lim," shows a team from the Police General Hospital carrying out a life-saving procedure after tremors from the earthquake, which hit Myanmar on Friday (Mar. 28), disrupted hospital operations.

The lead surgeon, Pol Lt Col Waranyu Jiramrit, also known as Dr Toey, revealed that the patient had been undergoing a colostomy when the earthquake struck, reported Thai media, The Nation.

Just as the team was about to close the abdominal incision, the tremors forced them to evacuate the operating room and move the patient to a safer location outside.

Recognising the urgency of the situation, the medical team decided to complete the surgery outdoors to prevent potential complications.

Leaving the incision open could have led to bowel displacement or exposure to outside air. This would have posed significant risks to the patient.

The procedure was successfully completed in just 10 minutes under field surgery conditions.

Despite the unconventional setting, the team adhered to "strict hygiene protocols", using sterile gloves and equipment to ensure patient safety.

Following the operation, the patient was reported to be in stable condition and is currently recovering.

Dr Toey expressed surprise at the widespread attention the image received online.

"I personally had no idea that the images were being shared on social media and receiving so much praise," he said to The Nation.

"I was simply doing my duty as a doctor to save the patient's life to the best of my ability."

Myanmar struck by 7.7 magnitude earthquake

The 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck central Myanmar on Mar. 28 left devastation in its wake.

The quake, which toppled many buildings in Myanmar, was followed by tremors which were felt in Southern China and Thailand.

The Singapore Red Cross (SRC) announced on Mar. 29 a commitment of S$150,000 to support emergency relief efforts in both Myanmar and Thailand.

A public fundraiser will soon be launched as well.

Meanwhile, the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) has deployed an 80-member contingent to Myanmar in response to a request for humanitarian assistance.