ULA Health Department urges pharmacy owners to apply for drug sale, import licences

By Admin 16 Jan 2026

DMG Newsroom

16 January 2026, Kyauktaw

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under the United League of Arakan (ULA) Department of Public Health has urged those importing, selling, and providing medical treatment in areas controlled by the Arakan Army to apply for drug sale and import licences.

The FDA announced that pharmacies, medical service providers, and drug sellers should apply for drug sale licences, import permits, and registration cards at township FDA offices and drug centres.

According to members of the health community, the issuance of drug licences aims to eliminate illegal medicines and unregulated medical practices in Arakan State.

"The FDA announced in early January that drug dealers and unlicensed medical practitioners should apply for registration and licences. The move is intended to regulate unlicensed medical practice in Arakan State and prevent the circulation of illegal drugs," said a woman close to the ULA Department of Public Health.

Arakan State, where the flow of medicines and goods has been disrupted by a blockade imposed by Myanmar's military regime, is facing shortages of medicines and soaring prices, forcing the region to rely on imports from India and Bangladesh.

Drug sellers said inspections are needed to ensure that medicines imported through border trade routes meet FDA standards and guarantees.

"The ULA's issuance of licences is more convenient for drug sellers. On one hand, it serves as a sales permit and, on the other, as a form of assurance. Medicines entering through border routes are sometimes mixed with expired drugs that are unsafe for use," said a female pharmacy owner in Kyauktaw.

Local residents said the FDA's call for licence applications to sell medicines and practise medicine should be welcomed and followed by thorough inspections to ensure compliance.

Residents also expressed hope that the policy would help control soaring medicine prices in Arakan State.

"It is a good move by the ULA to adopt this policy. In Arakan State, residents have relied on unlicensed medical practitioners for many years because successive governments failed to deploy enough healthcare workers. Families who cannot afford formal treatment have had no choice but to rely on them. These practitioners should be allowed to work under clearly defined criteria," said a local man in Mrauk-U.

Following recent fighting in Arakan State, some health workers have left the country, while others continue to provide medical services in areas controlled by the Arakan Army.

Due to shortages of medicines and healthcare workers, residents across Arakan State continue to face difficulties accessing medical care.

There are also indications that unlicensed medical practitioners currently providing healthcare in Arakan State may require training to help fill gaps in the healthcare system.