Medicine shortages take toll on Arakan residents with chronic illnesses

By Admin 03 Jul 2024

DMG Newsroom
3 July 2024, Sittwe

At least two women suffering from chronic conditions have died in war-ravaged Arakan State as pharmaceutical shortages worsen amid escalating clashes.

People suffering from health conditions including high blood pressure, diabetes, heart and kidney problems and cancer are all at serious risk.

The daughter of a cancer patient in Sittwe said: “Months ago, we could still buy the medicines we wanted, although prices were high. But we can’t buy them now even if we have piles of money. My mother has been in critical condition.”

“I have been on medication, but it is hard to find the medicines I need to take now,” said a displaced woman suffering from gynaecological problems. “As I could not find the medicines in my town, I had to travel to other towns to get the medicines. I will have to take the medicines for another six months. If I fail to take medicines just one day, I have to take the medication regimen from the beginning.”

A woman with diabetes from Pauktaw Township’s Byaing Thaik Village died in May after she ran out of medicine.

“The medicine she had ordered from Yangon arrived in Sittwe. However, we could not go and get it due to travel restrictions. We could not find medicines in our township,” explained a relative of the deceased.

“We went to the cottage hospital in our township, but there was no medicine. She died one week after she ran out of medicine.”

In another case, a displaced woman in her 50s from Ponnagyun Township, who suffered from high blood pressure and diabetes, died after her medications ran out.

Hospitals remain open in Sittwe, Ann, Kyaukphyu, Gwa and Manaung townships, which are still under the control of Myanmar’s military regime. But they too are running out of medicines and many hospital staff have fled the fighting between junta and Arakkha Army (AA) forces.

The AA provides healthcare services in areas it controls, but most residents dare not receive treatment at those facilities due to junta bombing raids that have targeted civilian infrastructure, including hospitals and clinics.