ULA invites medicine import tenders to strengthen healthcare services in Arakan State

By Admin 07 Jul 2026

DMG Newsroom

7 July 2026, Kyauktaw

The Department of Public Health under the United League of Arakan (ULA) has invited licensed pharmaceutical companies and pharmacies to submit open tenders to supply medicines for the 2026-2027 fiscal year as it seeks to strengthen healthcare services in Arakan State.

According to the department, the medicines will be distributed to district, township, station and rural hospitals and clinics across Arakan State.

Tender documents will be available from June 22 to July 31, while samples of the proposed medicines must be submitted by July 31.

“Calling open tenders is a better approach. Last year, township hospitals faced medicine shortages and had to purchase medicines themselves to continue providing treatment. Some pharmacies also supplied medicines to hospitals at reduced prices, but it was not very effective. If companies compete through open tenders, medicines can be imported at lower prices and shortages may be reduced,” a source close to the ULA's Department of Public Health told DMG.

The source added that companies seeking information on tender procedures, terms and conditions, and medicine requirements can contact the relevant district and township health departments.

Residents of Arakan State continue to face medicine shortages and rising prices as trade routes remain disrupted. Much of the medicine currently used in the state is imported from India and Bangladesh.

“Whatever business opportunities arise in Arakan, people with close ties to the Arakan Army often receive them. The same could happen with these tenders. However, because this concerns healthcare, I hope the medicines will be supplied at affordable prices so that treatment costs for the public can be reduced,” a resident of Kyauktaw said.

Healthcare services in Arakan State also continue to face challenges due to junta airstrikes on hospitals and clinics.

Medical workers say shortages of medicines, surgical equipment and emergency lifesaving supplies have delayed treatment for patients in emergency situations.

Arakan Army Chief Maj-Gen Twan Mrat Naing has said the ULA is working to improve healthcare services in Arakan State. He said around 50 to 60 doctors are currently serving in areas under Arakan Army control, while about 120 nurses are undergoing training this year.

The ULA is also accepting applications for the Arakan Institute of Medical Science and nursing training programmes as part of its efforts to expand healthcare services and train more medical personnel in areas under its administration.