The prices of various medicines have soared since Myanmar’s military regime imposed a blockade on Arakan State following renewed hostilities with the Arakkha Army (AA) that began in November of last year, according to residents. The worst price hikes are reported to be in Rathedaung Township.

Most basic goods and medicines are imported from Kyauktaw, and a single sheet of Decolgen, which costs K5,000 in Kyauktaw, is sold for K10,000 in Rathedaung, and the price of a single sheet of Digene is K5,000.

“The prices of medicine are skyrocketing in Rathedaung. We spend at least K5,000 if we buy medicine once because we are sick. It is worse if a child is sick. We have to spend at least K30,000 to buy medicine if children are sick. I am very afraid that my children will get sick,” said the mother of a child in Rathedaung.

Most of the basic medicines and goods to Arakan State are difficult to import from India and Bangladesh, and residents said the shortage of goods and medicines is worst in Rathedaung Township because it is far from both international borders and potential supply sources in mainland Myanmar.

Making matters worse, due to differences in names between drugs from mainland Myanmar and drugs from India, there are often misunderstandings between pharmaceutical sellers, buyers and users.

“When I went to buy medicine for my grandmother, the pharmacist told me that this medicine was the same. My grandmother had diarrhoea after taking that medicine. Many people can’t buy the medicine they want here,” said a local woman from Cedipyin Village in Rathedaung Township.

Hospitals and clinics have been opened in Arakkha Army-controlled areas and treatment is being provided, but the people are afraid to seek medical treatment due to air attacks on these areas.