Dhaka, Aug 22 (V7N): The Mro community, long seen as one of the most marginalized groups in the hilly regions, has witnessed remarkable advancements over the years. Among these developments, Sanchang Mro stands out as the first woman from her community to become a doctor. Her journey to this milestone was anything but smooth.

Driven by the prolonged illness of his wife and the untimely death of one of his daughters due to insufficient medical care, Sanchang's father, Kaingpre Mro, resolved that one of his children would pursue a medical career. Sanchang's own determination to become a doctor was deeply rooted in the pain of losing her sister at a young age.

A member of the fourth batch (2017-2018 session) at Rangamati Medical College, Sanchang is now completing her internship at the same institution after successfully finishing her medical education.

Sanchang’s origins trace back to Paia Karbari Para village in Alikadam upazila, Bandarban. She is the daughter of Kaingpre Mro and Tumlung Mro. Her early education began at home under the guidance of her father, who would teach her to write on the ground or on banana leaves whenever he could, despite his demanding work in the jhum fields. Motivated by the tragic loss of his daughter, her father was committed to providing Sanchang with an education to prevent others in the community from suffering due to a lack of medical knowledge.

Since there was no school in their village, Sanchang's father enrolled her in a distant hostel called Lama Mission. After it closed, she was admitted to Teidang Hostel, where she attended Champatpara Government Primary School and later Alikadam Government High School until 2012. Despite the lack of resources, her father's determination and her academic achievements, including scholarships in both the fifth and eighth grades, propelled her forward.

To pursue science education, which was limited in Alikadam, Sanchang moved to St Joseph's High School and College. Though financial challenges persisted, she received support from teachers and sisters who helped her in various ways. After excelling in her SSC exams, she passed the entrance exam for Holy Cross College, but initially couldn't enroll due to financial constraints. However, Sister Namita intervened, securing her admission and arranging for her to study without any fees. The supportive community at Holy Cross provided her with education, materials, and even pocket money, allowing her to focus on her studies.

After completing her HSC exams, Sanchang stayed in Dhaka to prepare for medical entrance exams, using her savings to support her younger siblings. Navigating the challenges of being alone in the city, she managed to pass the medical entrance exams, one of the toughest periods in her life.

Her joy knew no bounds when she learned of her admission to Rangamati Medical College. After nearly three years, she returned home to share the good news.

Financial struggles eased once she entered medical college, thanks to the support of the Bandarban Hill District Council Chairman Kyaw Shwe Hla, the Subarna Bhumi Foundation, and BSSB, along with assistance from senior students.

Sanchang’s goal is to ensure that people in the hilly regions no longer suffer from a lack of medical care. She highlighted the ongoing shortage of proper medical facilities in these areas.

Thong Pre Mro, General Secretary of the Alikadam-Naikhongchhari Mro Council, praised Sanchang's achievement, calling it a blessing for the Mro community and a significant milestone in their history.

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