An internallydisplaced woman dies after giving birth to a baby due to lackof medical treatment in Ponna Kyunt township of RakhineState, said local residents.

The deceased woman,identified as Daw Ma Htay Win (40),had to fleefrom the conflict-ridden NgaTauk Tu Chay village under Rathedaungtownship toDoe Tan old village under Ponna Kyunt Township.

Anelderly villager informed that the baby also died ataround 8 pm on 6December.

"Theincident took place as the lady was sufferingfrom pregnancy poisoning. Thevillagers tried to send her to a nearby hospital but it did not happen. Soonafter the mother, the baby also died after a few minutes,” said a villager.

The woman andher baby were buried in the evening.

She wasstaying with her family members in DoeTan old village for nearly amonth.

Since thecommencement of conflictsin Rakhine State, the military councilblocked all roads andwaterways. Moreover the soldiers continuously firedwith artillery shells. Sothe villagers found it difficult to access the healthcare services at the hospitalseven if there is a medical emergency.

"We couldnot reach Ponna Kyunt generalhospital. We werefrightened by the artilleryshelling. There are obstacles on theroad too,” added the villager.

Since the fighting returned,hundreds of thousands of people fled fromthe conflict areas. Theelderly & disabled individuals along with pregnant women andchildren have faced majorproblems in accessing the healthcare benefits.

The soldiers havealso blocked all the roadsconnecting the towns. Thefuel prices have also gone high. Many emergencyaid & relieforganizations have found it difficult to continue their services.