Myanmar’s Secret Nursing School: Training a New Generation Amidst War & Coup

The first cohort of nurses have recently completed a three-year degree course in Myanmar, training in secret to overcome the challenges of ongoing political instability and conflict. The remarkable achievement, reported this week, highlights the resilience of healthcare workers and the innovative approaches being taken to maintain essential medical education in a country grappling with a military coup and widespread civil unrest.

Since the military coup in February 2021, Myanmar’s healthcare system has been severely disrupted. The coup ousted the democratically elected government and ignited a civil war, creating a climate of fear and insecurity. Access to healthcare has turn into increasingly difficult, particularly for those living in areas outside of military control or displaced by the conflict. According to the UN, approximately 18.6 million people in Myanmar require humanitarian assistance, with 3.2 million internally displaced and over 55,000 civilian buildings destroyed as of early 2025. More than 200,000 people have fled to neighboring countries like Bangladesh, India, and Thailand as of March 9, 2026.

A Parallel Health System Emerges

In response to the crisis, a parallel, underground health system has emerged, providing care to those who cannot risk seeking treatment at government-controlled facilities or who live in areas inaccessible to the regime. This system relies on the dedication of healthcare professionals willing to operate in secrecy and under constant threat. The nursing degree program is a key component of this effort, aiming to train a new generation of healthcare workers equipped to address the unique challenges facing the country.

Khun Sue Reh, a 23-year-old graduate of the program, described the constant risks involved. Training takes place in remote locations, often with limited resources and under the shadow of potential airstrikes and drone surveillance. “Safety is never guaranteed,” she said. Students face not only the challenges of coursework and exams but also the very real danger of violence and disruption.

Adapting Education to a Conflict Zone

The degree program, designed in collaboration with the UK’s Royal College of Nursing, utilizes a blended learning approach. Lectures are pre-recorded by international academics and delivered via memory sticks, circumventing internet blackouts and government monitoring. Practical training is conducted in makeshift classrooms, often in jungle settings. Marcus Wootton, associate director of international nursing at the RCN, described the conditions as “basic,” with students lacking access to clean water, adequate shelter, and facing the constant threat of attack. He emphasized the “extraordinary” achievement of the graduates given the circumstances.

The curriculum covers 58 modules, mirroring Myanmar’s standard nursing education, encompassing areas like newborn care and tropical diseases. The program’s origins lie in the immediate aftermath of the coup, when nurses and doctors began providing care to those injured in protests. As the situation deteriorated, it became clear that a more comprehensive and sustainable training solution was needed. April, a Burmese nurse educator, explained how the initial response of providing first aid to protestors evolved into a need for a full undergraduate degree program.

The Role of International Collaboration

The program’s success is a testament to the power of international collaboration. The UK’s Royal College of Nursing played a crucial role in developing the curriculum and providing resources. Dozens of international academics contributed lectures, and the program relies on a network of facilitators and supporters to deliver education in challenging environments. The utilize of memory sticks to distribute educational materials is a practical solution to overcome the limitations of internet access and censorship.

The challenges extend beyond access to information and resources. Even basic medical supplies, like paracetamol, are difficult to obtain in areas controlled by the opposition. Hospitals and clinics have been deliberately targeted, damaged, or destroyed, and healthcare workers have faced arrest and violence. Over 1,900 incidents of violence or obstruction against healthcare facilities and personnel have been recorded since 2021, with the Myanmar armed forces responsible for approximately 70% of these incidents.

Beyond Survival: Rebuilding Myanmar’s Healthcare Future

Despite the immense challenges, the graduates of this program represent a beacon of hope for Myanmar’s future. They are committed to providing compassionate, ethical, and professional care to those in need. Khun Sue Reh expressed her hope that people outside Myanmar will understand that their lives are not solely defined by struggle, but also by dreams, hopes, and a determination to build a better future.

The program is now expanding, with five cohorts currently studying and a separate one-year program for diploma nurses seeking to upgrade their qualifications. The initiative, dubbed “Phoenix” by its participants, symbolizes rising from the ashes of destruction and rebuilding Myanmar’s healthcare system. As one student wrote in a letter of thanks to the RCN, the program is “the reconstruction of Myanmar’s ethical healthcare system, built by students committed to compassion, democracy and professionalism.”

The ongoing situation in Myanmar demands continued international attention and support. The resilience and dedication of healthcare workers like those participating in this program offer a powerful example of how education and hope can endure even in the face of adversity. Further support for these initiatives, along with advocacy for the protection of healthcare workers and access to essential medical supplies, will be crucial in mitigating the humanitarian crisis and rebuilding Myanmar’s healthcare infrastructure.