Tuberculosis patients in Arakan at risk due to medicine shortages

By Admin 15 Oct 2024

DMG Newsroom
15 October 2024, Sittwe

Medicine shortages have resulted in the deaths of some tuberculosis (TB) patients in Arakan State, according to local healthcare workers.

The regime has imposed travel restrictions in Arakan State since the latest fighting broke out between Myanmar's military regime and the Arakkha Army (AA) in November of last year. It also severely restricted the flow of goods, foodstuffs and medicines into the state.

Since the conflict flared anew, TB patients have lost access to free medicines provided by the government, according to local and international nongovernmental organisations.

"We can't find TB medicines these days. Previously, public hospitals provided free medicines for TB patients. These days, we can only give them antibiotics to prevent their conditions from worsening and from contracting other communicable diseases. However, some have died as their lungs were not working," said a doctor who runs a clinic in a northern Arakan State town.

At the time of publication, DMG was unable to determine the exact number of TB-related deaths due to the medicines shortage.

One nurse from another town in Arakan State said she had heard that some patients who reached out to her died due to the shortages.

Transportation costs have surged in Arakan State due to shortages of fuel, and many impoverished TB patients cannot afford to seek treatment at hospitals and clinics.

"One of my relatives is suffering from TB. His condition has worsened recently. We have reached out to nearby hospitals and clinics, but still can't get the medicines," said a resident of Lan Pike Kwin Village in Arakan State's Kyauktaw Township.

Myanmar remains on the list of countries with the highest incidence of TB, according to the National Tuberculosis Programme. The incidence rate stands at approximately 360 of every 100,000 people in Myanmar, and the mortality rate is about 47 in 100,000 people.