Stroke incidence rises among elderly IDPs in Arakan State

By Admin 07 Nov 2024

DMG Newsroom
7 November 2024, Sittwe

Increased cases of stroke have been reported among elderly populations at camps for internally displaced people (IDPs) in Arakan State.

At least 10 elderly displaced people have suffered strokes in Kavi Yadana, a railway station and the Kangyishin displacement camps in Kyauktaw Town, and cannot afford medical treatment.

Stroke patient U Aung Shwe Thar from the displacement camp opened at the railway station said: “I can’t take medicines regularly, and I can’t afford to see a doctor. I am worried that my condition may worsen in the cold season. I only have blankets, which I use as a bed. I don’t have warm clothes.”

At often-flimsy displacement camps, people have to sleep on the floor without a bed, and they also don’t have warm clothes, which are risk factors for elderly persons.

The number of stroke patients is high at displacement camps in Arakan State, and most stroke patients cannot afford to receive medical treatment. There are also no healthcare services in place at displacement camps, leaving stroke patients with few options.

“Shortages of medicines and soaring prices have been taking a heavy toll on people. People with chronic conditions, children and elderly persons, have suffered more,” said social activist and writer Wai Hun Aung.

Displaced people are concerned for their health as they don’t have enough warm clothes for the coming cold season.

One woman from the Kavi Yadana displacement camp said: “We don’t have warm clothes or enough mattresses. I am concerned for my elderly parents. We have many needs during weather changes.”

Civilians displaced by the fighting have borne the brunt of food and medicine shortages and soaring commodity prices as the military regime has imposed travel restrictions since renewed fighting between its forces and the Arakkha Army (AA) broke out in November of last year.