Mizzima
People in Mandalay have been facing a scarcity of some drugs and medical supplies since the first week of this month, according to the local people.
As the value of the Myanmar Kyat continues to decline, the medicine prices have increased and a number of imported drugs and medical supplies are out of stock after reaching the highest record prices in August.
Those taking medicine are reportedly suffering.
A family member of a chronic diabetic patient said, “The diabetes medicines, in particular, are currently unavailable. Due to the rising prices, these medications have become inaccessible. The mandatory Insulin Injection BP, vital for diabetics, is also out of stock at most shops in Mandalay.”
According to customers, diabetes medicines and kidney medicines are currently inaccessible in the market. Additionally, nutritional supplements are out of stock due to increased prices.
A resident said, “The nutritional supplements prescribed for kidney patients are currently out of stock. While a few stores may still have some available, these products are nearing their expiration dates. It is uncertain whether the lack of availability is due to a halt in imports or a shortage of dollars, which only the company would know.”
There is speculation that some pharmacies and drug companies have refused to sell products due to the continuously rising prices, leading to the inability to meet the demand. However, the pharmacies and drug companies deny this claim.
“Some people came to ask whether we are not selling because of the rising prices. Actually, we do not have anything to sell. The drug companies cannot import the products due to the ongoing dollar crisis,” said a drug and medicine pharmacy employee near Mandalay Hospital.
Over 80 per cent of drugs and medical supplies used domestically are imported from foreign countries such as India, China and Thailand.
Following the 2021 coup, the Military Council implemented restrictions on the foreign exchange market, which had a significant negative impact on the import of drugs.
