Myanmar Junta Forces Closure of Two Prominent Private Hospitals in Kale, Leaving Patients Struggling

The Myanmar military regime has forced two prominent private hospitals in Kale, Sagaing Region—Royal City and Chan Myae—to shut down, requiring inpatients receiving treatment at the facilities to be immediately transferred elsewhere, according to local sources.

Kale is a major commercial hub in Sagaing Region bordering Chin State.

The Myanmar military authorities ordered the two facilities to shut down within 48 hours over pending license renewals and were subsequently sealed off on October 12.

The sudden closures forced admitted patients to transfer to the Kale Township People's Hospital, while individuals with scheduled appointments faced abrupt disruptions in medical care.

"Both hospitals have been sealed off. At Royal City, places that used to be busy with people coming and going are now completely quiet, and the main entrance is closed. I went there just last weekend for a scheduled appointment. Now all the patients have been moved out, and the place is silent. I still don't know what I'm supposed to do about my next appointment," said a resident who regularly receives treatment at Royal City Hospital.

Hospital representatives said they had submitted renewal applications at township and regional levels, but the paperwork stalled in administrative channels.

They subsequently received orders to shut down completely starting October 12.

"I hope the hospital reopens as soon as possible. There could be several reasons why it has been sealed off, but I still don't know exactly why. Another hospital that has been closed is located in the Lansone area," the Kale resident added.

While the closures of Chan Myae and Royal City hospitals have been confirmed, reports regarding the closure of Shin Hong Hospital remain unverified.

Meanwhile, local reports suggest the crackdown may be linked to unresolved tax matters or unpaid taxes, though Khonumthung News is continuing to verify the exact motivations behind the closures.

Photo caption: Chan Myae private hospital in Kale town.