Border News Agency
Ponnakyun, June 22
Due to the high cost of healthcare services in areas controlled by the Arakan Army, the people of Arakan are facing significant difficulties.
Locals say that when Arakanese people fall ill and have to visit a clinic, it costs them at least around 100,000 kyats. With limited job opportunities and little to no income, many are struggling to afford medical treatment.
In addition, Arakanese people say that travel expenses are also high, so when combined with the cost of medical treatment, the overall expenses become even more burdensome.
“Just one visit to the clinic costs over 100,000 kyats. And that’s not even for a serious illness,” said an Arakanese resident from Taw Phyar Chaung area, Ponnakyun Township, speaking to Border News Agency. “Even if it’s just a fever, they test for things like dengue or seasonal flu. If an injection is needed, they give it. Then they prescribe medicine – usually to be taken twice a day for three days. When you add in the travel and food expenses, the total ends up being over 100,000 kyats.”
Arakanese people say that the costs of visiting clinics and hospitals have become increasingly expensive, as diseases like dengue fever and seasonal influenza are spreading widely across the region.
Since the start of the renewed battles in Arakan, the Myanmar junta has blocked transportation routes and restricted the delivery of medical supplies.
As a result, pharmacies say that medications are now being imported through neighboring countries via informal channels, which has caused a sharp rise in drug prices.
Arakanese civilians say that the importation and distribution of medicines are being carried out only with permission from the Arakan People’s Revolutionary Government (APRG), and taxes must be paid. Although some members of the APRG are also involved in the process, the government has not yet been able to control the rising prices of medicine.
As a result, Arakanese people say that buying medicine for common illnesses like fever at village pharmacies now costs at least 5,000 kyats per visit.
“I don’t want to go to the clinic, so I bought medicine from the village pharmacy instead. Taking medicine four times already cost me nearly 50,000 kyats. Even getting one injection cost 10,000 kyats. It’s really hard on us,” said a resident of Pakwet Seik village, Ponnakyun Township, speaking to Border News Agency.
Additionally, since the Myanmar junta has been targeting hospitals and clinics in the Arakan region with airstrikes, many pharmacies and clinics have been forced to close.
In areas controlled by the Arakan Army, the Arakan People’s Revolutionary Government (APRG) is carrying out administrative functions and has also established the Arakan People’s Health Department.
Although this department provides healthcare services to the Arakan people, health workers say that there is still a shortage of medical staff, medicines, and equipment.
Because of this, Arakanese people say that patients needing emergency medical treatment have to travel to neighboring countries for care.
