Pharmacies in Rakhine State turning out of medicines due to military blockade

Narinjara News, 22 October 2022

Almost every pharmacy in Rakhine State has gone out of medicines as the Myanmar military council has restricted the supply. A due permission through the traders association becomes necessary to import medicines to the State.

Lately, a large volume of medicines have been stocked in different cities including the State capital Sittwe, as the authorities have banned in medical supply to Rakhine State. It has compelled the concerned parties to seek the permission for it through the traders association.

“Every pharmacy in Rakhine is almost out of medicine. Within a week, the pharmacies will be out of medicines. We have decided to talk to the traders association for any solution. We have already sent a petition in this regard,” said one of the pharmacy owners.

Not only the hospitals or clinics, but also the ordinary Rakhine people are facing hardships due to the scarcity of medicines.

The medical companies and pharmacies of Rakhine sent the petition to the Yangon-based traders association on 21 October.

They explained the situation and urged the association to do the needful with an aim to support the Rakhine people with the supply of medicines.

For any reason, if the traders association fails to help, the problem of drug shortages in Rakhine is going to be acute, commented another pharmacy owner.

“Transporting medicines needs government approval. So we must ask for permission. However we don't know if the government will grant it or not. The people are facing problems and it will be severe within a week, if nothing is done accordingly,” he added.

Soon after the resumption of gunfighting with the Arakan Army members, the military council strictly prohibited the supply of medicines to Rakhine. The prohibition is strictly implemented in the northern townships of Rakhine State.

Some places like the Ann city checkpoint have been witnessing the restriction since 25 September and because of the shortage of medicines the locals have faced difficulties every day.