Shortage of ambulances delays rescue efforts in Arakan State amid intense airstrikes

By Admin 25 Apr 2026

DMG Newsroom

25 April 2026, Ponnagyun

Social welfare organizations providing emergency rescue services in Arakan State report that their effectiveness is being hindered by a severe shortage of emergency vehicles.

Officials from the Ponnagyun based Phyu Sin Yin Khwin Foundation, the Ponnagyun Youths Association (PYA), and the Arakanese Patriotic Youths Association said they are unable to carry out regular emergency patient transfers and rescue operations due to vehicle shortages.

"There are only about three ambulances in Ponnagyun. Currently, only one is operational while the other two are undergoing repairs. In these situations, we cannot transport emergency patients in a timely manner. Some have lost their lives due to excessive bleeding or other complications because of these delays," said Ko Khaing Hein Htet, Chairman of the Phyu Sin Yin Khwin Foundation.

As the regime’s airstrikes in Arakan State intensify daily, there is an urgent need for rescue teams to reach affected areas promptly to reduce casualties caused by air attacks.

Rescue workers noted that during mass casualty incidents caused by airstrikes, lives are being unnecessarily lost due to the insufficient number of ambulances.

"The regime has been launching various forms of airstrikes continuously. When we have to perform emergency rescues at the sites of these attacks, the lack of ambulances leads to avoidable deaths. We face many challenges in helping people in time. Under current conditions, there is a desperate need for more ambulances," said an official from the Arakanese Patriotic Youths Association.

Most residents and internally displaced persons in both rural and urban areas of Arakan State rely primarily on volunteer ambulance services for accidents and emergency medical needs.

However, in addition to the shortage of vehicles, mechanical failures have caused significant delays for local social welfare groups attempting to carry out emergency rescues.

"We have to use the same ambulances to transport both patients and the deceased. Due to the lack of vehicles, we sometimes cannot reach other accident scenes in time to help. Furthermore, when we have to use rented vehicles to take emergency patients to clinics or hospitals, it becomes extremely difficult for those in critical condition," Ko Khaing Hein Htet added.

Social welfare groups rely heavily on local and international donors. They currently face numerous challenges due to a decline in donations and the imbalance between available funds and rising operational costs.

Welfare organizations pointed out that authorities need to provide support to ensure the long-term sustainability of these volunteer groups that residents depend on.

The continued use of mechanically faulty emergency vehicles due to the inability to afford repairs is becoming a safety concern for both patients and members of the social welfare associations.