Narinjara News, 14th February 2025

Relatives indicate that the current medical emergency in Arakan State, constrained by a junta blockade amid continuous conflict, is significantly restricting access to vital medications for individuals with mental health issues. 

Prior to the conflict, relatives of individuals with mental illness claimed that acquiring essential medications in Arakan townships was straightforward. Nevertheless, it has now turned almost impossible to locate these therapies. 

As clinics remain closed due to the conflict, relatives are having difficulty finding the regular medications that suit their family members' conditions, and they lack knowledge about the alternatives that are available. 

A family member of a mentally ill person in Mrauk-U said, "The main problem is that we can't find the usual medications that are suitable for the condition. Of the three types of medication, we can only find one."

A relative of a mentally ill individual in Mrauk-U stated, "The primary issue is that we are unable to locate the typical medications appropriate for the condition. Among the three kinds of medication, we can locate just one." 

Family members claim that individuals with mental illness frequently respond unusually when symptoms emerge, necessitating ongoing treatment with medications tailored to their needs. 

Moreover, certain patients may exhibit violence and aggression when they feel ill, creating a threat to family members and others around them, particularly during periods of medication shortages. 

A relative of someone with mental illness voiced worries, stating, "It is quite alarming when the individual experiences a mental crisis and cannot locate their medication. The patient acts strangely and might even assault individuals at home. During a crisis, the patient behaves uncontrollably. However, when they settle down, they experience remorse upon understanding their actions. It's essential for individuals with mental illness to have convenient access to the appropriate medication.” 

Narinjara News conducted an investigation revealing that in a secret village within the liberated regions of Arakan State, at least ten individuals suffering from mental illness are facing difficulties in obtaining medical care. 

Certain families cannot afford medication, which increases their challenges. 

Since the onset of the Arakan conflict in 2023, the residents of Arakan have been experiencing a scarcity of medical supplies and an absence of products from the mainland. 

Residents indicate that several patients reliant on medication have passed away because of the lack of medicines.