Almost every pharmacy in Rakhine State has gone out ofmedicines as the Myanmar military council has restricted the supply. A due permission throughthe traders association becomes necessary to importmedicines to the State.

Lately, a large volume of medicines havebeen stocked in different cities includingthe State capital Sittwe, as the authorities have banned inmedical supply to Rakhine State. It has compelled the concernedparties to seek the permission for it throughthe 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 talkto the traders association for any solution. We have already sent a petition in this regard,” said one of the pharmacyowners.

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

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

They explained the situation and urged the association todo the needful with an aim to support the Rakhine people with the supply ofmedicines.

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

“Transporting medicines needs government approval. So wemust ask for permission. However we don't know if the government will grant itor not. The people are facing problems and it will be severe within a week, ifnothing is done accordingly,” he added.

Soon after the resumption of gunfighting with theArakan Army members, the military councilstrictly prohibited the supply of medicines toRakhine. The prohibition is strictly implemented in the northerntownships of Rakhine State.

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