DLEPS cracks down on fake doctors and unlicensed clinics in Arakan State

By Admin 03 Apr 2026

DMG Newsroom

3 April 2026, Pauktaw

The Department of Law Enforcement and Public Security (DLEPS) is inspecting and exposing fake doctors and unlicensed pharmacies providing illegal medical treatments in townships controlled by the Arakan Army.

According to a DLEPS statement released on April 2, officials identified and inspected U Maung Than Oo, who opened a clinic named Nyein in Bawun Ward of Pauktaw Town, and U Myat Min Thu, who opened a clinic named Shwe Nadi in Thazi Village of Kyauktaw Township.

On April 2, DLEPS, in collaboration with Township Health Departments and other relevant authorities, conducted field inspections and confirmed the reports, resulting in the immediate closure of these illegally opened clinics.

The statement noted that the individuals were made to sign a bond of agreement to prevent such actions in the future. Effective action will be taken according to existing laws if the commitment is breached.

A male resident in Rathedaung said, "During this period, hospital and clinic costs are high, so many people seek health care that costs less. In rural areas, almost every village has fake doctors. Previously, most quacks treated with traditional medicine. Later, when they earned some money, they started opening pharmacies and clinics, changing their appearance to look like doctors. Quack treatments and medicine sellers should be thoroughly inspected for licenses and registration."

Since the beginning of this year, the Food and Drug Administration under the Health Department has announced that medicine importers, sellers, and practitioners in areas controlled by the Arakan Army must apply for medicine sales and import licenses.

Local pharmacies, practitioners, and those compounding medicines are required to obtain medicine sales licenses, import recommendations, and registration cards.

According to health officials, the purpose of issuing medicine licenses is to eliminate illegal medicines and quack treatments in the region.

A local woman said, "Fake doctors should be scrutinized and regulated. They treat diseases based only on what little they know. While some patients improve, others get worse, and it is not reliable. Treating without knowing the disease precisely has significant negative consequences."

The Department of Health in Arakan State is regulating medical practices to ensure that the public receives safe health care. Residents in remote and rural areas are hoping for the opening of free clinics.

A male resident in Maungdaw said, "Although the Arakan Army is preventing unnecessary health complications, some rural areas have no village clinics and people rely on quacks. When inspecting them, authorities should thoroughly review their work and allow practice if the situation is safe."

The United League of Arakan is systematically training health staff and providing necessary hospital and clinic equipment so that local residents can access health services safely. The public is encouraged to seek medical treatment at clinics operated by officially authorized doctors.