Regime promises to meet Arakan State’s healthcare needs, residents respond with doubt

By Admin 11 Jul 2023

DMG Newsroom
11 July 2023, Sittwe

Junta boss Min Aung Hlaing on Tuesday promised to fulfil the healthcare needs of local residents in Arakan State, reported the regime mouthpiece Myanma Alinn.

“Arrangements will be made to fulfil the needs of health workers in the respective townships,” he said during a visit to Arakan State, where he met departmental personnel and town elders, on Monday.

DMG was unable to obtain comment from assistant director Dr. Zaw Zaw Aung of the Arakan State Health Department regarding Min Aung Hlaing’s pledge.

“We presented our requirements. He said priority would be given to sending a surgeon and gynaecologist,” said U Htay Aung, the administrator of Ward No. 6 in Buthidaung Township, who attended the meeting. “But he did not say clearly when the doctors will arrive.”

Due to the lack of a surgeon in Buthidaung, patients can only receive surgery at hospitals in Maungdaw or Sittwe.

“We have cottage hospitals in our townships,” said a social activist in Rathedaung Township. “There are not enough healthcare workers. We have to rely only on the public hospital in Rathedaung town. We will wait and see if Min Aung Hlaing will walk the walk.”

While healthcare facilities in both urban and rural parts of Arakan State are poorly equipped, they are also understaffed, and are often unable to provide needed healthcare services for local people.