Access to blood limited in Arakan State

By Admin 01 Aug 2024

DMG Newsroom
1 August 2024, Sittwe

With instability and soaring fuel prices severely restricting the operations of charities in Arakan State, difficulty accessing blood has become a problem for patients.

Local charities in Arakan State provide first aid, free ambulance services and help finding blood donors for patients who need transfusions.

However, most charities across the state have been forced to suspend operations as members have been displaced by fighting between Myanmar’s military regime and the Arakkha Army (AA), and as fuel prices have become prohibitively high.

Without the help of charities, patients in need are going without critical emergency healthcare services.

A charity worker in Arakan State said: “Local residents are suffering as charities have stopped operating. There are no regular blood donors, and family members of patients have to find blood by themselves.”

Previously, hospitals ran blood banks where members donated blood regularly and people donated blood on special occasions like their birthdays. But many regular blood donors have been displaced by the fighting.

The husband of a pregnant woman in Ponnagyun Township said: “Previously, we could buy blood with money. But now, we have to walk door to door asking people if they can donate blood. It is very difficult to get a bottle of blood today.”

Last month, a woman in Pauktaw Township required a blood transfusion after delivery. Family members spent the whole day looking for the Type-B blood she needed.

“She needed a blood infusion in the morning, but we could get the blood only in the evening,” said a family member.

The demand for blood is high in Arakan State, where residents are at greater risk of landmine explosions, artillery strikes and air raids.

A charity member said: “Local charities play an important part in the well-being of residents. They not only supply blood but also help with other issues. Residents are experiencing difficulties as a result [of their suspended operations].”

The regime has responded to its military defeats in Arakan State by targeting civilian infrastructure including healthcare facilities, posing challenges to the delivery of healthcare services to local residents.