myint swe was one of the few privileged elite who did not flee with the retreating british. the non-graduate became a resident medical officer at the newly opened bia hospital (located at the former diocesan school, modern war office building) in april 1942 only because of a severe staff shortage. the makeshift hospital, later renamed the rangoon public general hospital and led by one dr. ba than, became the only hospital open to non-japanese patients. (the japanese had taken over the rangoon general hospital compound, and did not admit any non-japanese there.) even the top burmese politicians and military men as well as the leaders of the indian national army had to use the makeshift hospital run by a few remaining physicians.