In 2000, due to frequent factory raids and arrests by the Thai police workers often hid in nearby farm fields and forests. The arrests would sometimes last three days to a week. Since workers would become ill in the forests, Ko Moe Swe collected donated medicine and provided free medical treatment to the workers who were in hiding. Medical treatment was especially provided frequently in the forest near Ban Song Kwin Factory. Later, since workers repeatedly requested the opening of a medical clinic near their factory, a small clinic was opened in October 2001 with Doctor Khin Sein and medic Saw Than Myint near Ban Song Kwin. From October 2001 until July 2002 that clinic was operated on a shoestring budget with funds provided by workers, political groups and independent friends. From July 2002 to December 2004 the clinic was operated by Doctor Khin Sein, medic Myint Soe Naing, Comrade Phaw Shaw, and assistant medic Ma Khaing with support from the International Rescue Committee (IRC). At the start of 2004 a branch clinic was opened near the ACR factory. Between October 2001 and December 2004 an estimated five thousand plus patients were treated at the clinic, and over 2000 patients were visited and treated at factories and areas from which it was difficult to come and go.
