Four Arakan State townships run out of medicines

By Admin 20 Nov 2023

DMG Newsroom
20 November 2023, Sittwe

Rathedaung, Mrauk-U, Pauktaw and Minbya townships in Arakan State are running short of medicines due to junta-imposed travel restrictions following the recent, renewed fighting between the Myanmar military and Arakan Army (AA), according to local residents.

Pharmacies in those towns are running short of some basic medicines such as paracetamol, and medicines for high blood pressure, diabetes and other common ailments.

A pharmacy owner in Minbya said: “We have run out of many medicines as people bought large amounts of medicines following the blockade. The remaining stocks will only last for a week at my pharmacy.”

Medicine prices have increased in towns and rural areas in Maungdaw District due to shortages, said residents.

Fever medicines have run out of stock at clinics in towns, said a health worker from Buthidaung Township.

“Fever medicines are also short in supply at pharmacies. Foods are also short in supply,” said the health worker.

Rural villages are also facing shortages of medicines as villagers can’t travel to towns due to the junta’s blockade.

“We can’t go to Rathedaung or Maungdaw. There are a lot of pharmacies in towns. So, you might be able to get the medicine you need or get alternatives. However, there is nothing at all in rural villages,” said a resident of Pyargyichaung Village in Rathedaung Township.

The regime has blockaded roads and waterways in Arakan State since the renewed fighting broke out on November 13. It has also restricted people from entering or leaving many towns. Local people have started to suffer, eight days after travel restrictions were imposed.

A resident of Thayet Village in Pauktaw said: “We have almost run out of both medicines and food in our village. We can buy nothing due to the blockade. The situation could get worse if it lasts longer.”

The junta’s travel restrictions have also largely brought humanitarian operations to a halt in Arakan State.