Police forces under the Arakan Army (AA) are cracking down in AA-controlled townships on fake doctors providing unlicensed medical treatment and individuals selling medicines without proper authorization.
In an April 2 statement, the Department of Law Enforcement and Public Security (DLEPS), which functions as the AA’s police unit, said action had been taken against U Maung Than Oo, owner of Nyein Clinic in Bawan Ward, Pauktaw Township, Arakan (Rakhine) State, and U Myat Min Thu, who operates Shwe Nadi Clinic in Thasi Village, Kyauktaw Township.
DLEPS and local health authorities conducted a joint investigation, confirmed both clinics were operating without valid licenses, and ordered their immediate closure, according to the statement. The clinic owners were also required to sign a pledge not to reoffend, with a warning that any future violations would result in legal action.
“Right now, healthcare costs are very high, so people are turning more to affordable clinics. Because of that, fake doctors have started appearing in rural areas. You can find them in many villages, often treating patients with placebos or traditional medicines. If they have enough money, they’ll even open a clinic along with a pharmacy. That’s why it’s important to take effective action against those practicing medicine without a valid license,” said a Rathedaung Township resident.
Earlier this year, the AA’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a directive requiring those importing drugs into AA-controlled areas, as well as those providing medical treatment there, to apply for business and import licenses.
Sources close to the Arakan State health community said the AA is tightening licensing procedures to root out fake doctors.
“There’s a real need to crack down on fake doctors who are treating patients with improvised methods instead of proper medical science. In some cases, patients’ conditions even get worse. These practices are very dangerous,” an Arakan woman said.
The AA’s Public Health Department is stepping up efforts to crack down on fake doctors to ensure proper healthcare for people in Arakan State. Locals are also hoping the AA will support the opening of clinics in remote rural areas.
“The AA is doing a good job monitoring, but many rural areas still rely on fake doctors. It needs to properly evaluate who is qualified to practice and allow them to operate, while shutting down those who aren’t,” a Maungdaw Township resident said.
The AA is also working to ensure the people of Arakan State have easy access to healthcare, systematically train health workers, and provide essential medical equipment. It also encourages the public to rely on and get treatment from its licensed clinics.
