Two political prisoners have died in separate prisons in Myanmar this month, raising renewed concerns over medical neglect in the country’s detention facilities, according to the Political Prisoners Network – Myanmar (PPNM).

U Myint Wai, a member of the National League for Democracy (NLD), died on 8 July at Mandalay’s Obo Prison from a ruptured appendix after reportedly being denied timely medical treatment. In a separate incident, political prisoner Ko Hla Min also known as Ko Hla Gyi, died of sudden cardiac arrest on 5 July at Paungde Prison.

According to the PPNM, U Myint Wai had suffered from severe stomach pain since the first week of July. Despite his worsening condition, prison authorities failed to provide adequate medical attention. He was eventually transferred to an outside hospital after a week-long delay, by which time his condition had become critical.

Ko Hla Min, who had no known underlying health conditions, lost consciousness suddenly and was taken to Paungde Hospital, where he died shortly after arrival. An investigation is currently underway to determine whether other factors contributed to his death.

“Their funerals were conducted by the Prison Department,” said Ko Thaik Htun Oo, a member of the PPNM Steering Committee.

U Myint Wai was arrested by the military regime on 19 May 2021 in Ywar Thit village, Sagaing Region, and was sentenced to a total of 19 years in prison under Sections 505(a), 50(a), and 61. Ko Hla Min was serving a 10-year sentence under Section 50(j) of the Counter-Terrorism Law.

The PPNM has repeatedly called on prison authorities to improve access to medical care and ensure that critically ill inmates are promptly transferred to external hospitals. However, the group reports that these appeals have gone unanswered.

As a result, approximately 25 political prisoners die each year due to medical negligence, the PPNM said. From 2023 to 2025, a total of 54 political prisoners have died in custody, according to the group’s data.