Mrauk-U hospital bombing deepens healthcare crisis in Rakhine State

After the Myanmar Air Force carried out airstrikes on the People’s Hospital in Mrauk-U Township, Arakan State, other hospitals are no longer able to operate openly for fear of being targeted, forcing them to relocate or operate as mobile units, making it increasingly difficult for Mrauk-U residents to access healthcare.

The inability to operate hospitals in proper locations, combined with a land and sea blockade by the military since the Arakan Army (AA) launched its offensive in November 2023, has compounded the crisis with hospitals unable to receive a sufficient amount of medicines. This poses serious challenges for residents in need of emergency treatment.

“After the bombing of Mrauk-U Hospital, getting healthcare has become really tough. This hospital was a major medical center that the people of Arakan depended on. Because Mrauk-U is easy to reach, many patients relied on it. But after the airstrike, accessing care has become much more difficult for everyone,” a Rathedaung Township resident told Development Media Group (DMG) on the condition of anonymity.