HIV, TB patients at risk in Sittwe due to pharmaceutical shortages

By Admin 05 Dec 2024

DMG Newsroom
5 December 2024, Sittwe

Sittwe Public Hospital in the Arakan State capital, which is still controlled by the military regime, has run out of TB and HIV medicines due to junta restrictions on the supply of pharmaceuticals to the western Myanmar state.

The regime imposed restrictions on the supply in May. Other medicines have also run out.

One health worker in Sittwe said: “We can’t provide medicines for TB and HIV patients as medicines do not arrive. Medicines are supplied to them monthly. But the hospital has run out of medicines. Without medication, they can transmit the disease to their family members. So, it is likely that there will be new infections.”

The lack of TB and HIV medicines has already resulted in some fatalities, according to the health worker.

Meanwhile, others have been forced to use antibiotics at high prices to manage their conditions.

One TB patient from Sittwe said: “The hospital stopped supplying medicines in October. So, during bouts of serious sickness, we have to buy antibiotics from pharmacies at high prices. I have children at my house, and I am concerned that they might be infected. So, I want the authorities to allow the delivery of medicines to Sittwe Town.” 

Health workers warn that TB and HIV can worsen without medication and can be fatal.

Meanwhile, armed conflict between the regime and the Arakkha Army (AA) has also forced the closure of private hospitals and clinics in Sittwe, creating a health crisis for residents of the Arakan State capital and surrounding villages.