In western Demoso Township, Karenni State, there has been a prolonged shortage of medicine. This situation not only affects local residents but also IDPs (Internally Displaced Persons). People who feel ill are only able to buy medicine in limited quantities at pharmacies.

A nurse providing medical care to displaced people described the difficulty of accessing insufficient supplies.

“Sometimes we can’t get the medicine we need. When available, we’re limited to small quantities. For example, if there’s one bottle of medicine and three of us go to buy it, we are only allowed one-third of a bottle each.”

Due to the shortage, they often cannot provide sufficient doses to the displaced patients. Medicine that should be taken in three doses may only be given in one or two doses, the nurse added.

In cases where basic medicine is unavailable, medical staff use whatever is on hand to treat symptoms as best as possible.

“Currently, from children to adults, we’re dealing with headaches, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. We can’t even buy electrolyte solution and large bottles to treat the patient. As a last solution, we teach them to make their own rehydration solution using salt and sugar,” the nurse explained.

The supply shortage, including essential medicines, has lasted for about a month. Due to the closure of trade routes into Karenni State, there has been no movement of goods, local residents say. Additionally, ongoing battles in Pekon Township and military checkpoints have created further barriers to transporting medicine, rice, and other supplies.