Sittwe residents resort to herbal remedies due to medicine shortages

By Admin 13 Sep 2025

DMG Newsroom

13 September 2025, Sittwe

There is a shortage of basic medicines in the Arakan State capital Sittwe, which is still under the control of Myanmar's military regime, forcing locals to resort to herbal remedies.

Residents in Sittwe say the military regime has banned the shipment of medicines and other goods, including basic foodstuffs, on flights from Yangon to Sittwe since August, leading to a shortage of medicines in the Arakan State capital.

"The lack of medicine is a serious problem for the locals. Some are taking traditional medicine. Some are growing medicinal plants and drinking herbal teas. Some are taking turmeric powder instead because they can't find paracetamol," said a woman from Sittwe.

In Sittwe, the price of a single tablet of paracetamol has risen to around K10,000 and there is a shortage of basic medicines, including ointments for bones and joints.

"People with diabetes and high blood pressure also rely on these herbs. People prepare herbal teas to drink for hepatitis, fever, and inflammation," said another woman in Sittwe.

"We brew Asian pigeonwings to cure coughs. Previously, these plants were not used and were just left in the yard," she added. "Now, we are deliberately looking for them and cultivating them with great care."

Previously, almost all airlines operating between Yangon and Sittwe were allowed to transport medicines and other goods, but now all of them have been banned, causing Sittwe residents to suffer a severe shortage of medicines.

Arakanese politicians believe that the military regime's restrictive measures could have a negative impact on the upcoming elections in Sittwe, Kyaukphyu and Manaung townships.

"Against the backdrop of a humanitarian crisis, the blockading of the flow of goods in an area where humanitarian aid is not available is leading to various forms of oppression against the local people. As a government, it is not only failing to fulfill its responsibility to provide assistance to the people, but also oppressing them again. I see this as an act of genocide against the Arakanese people," said a political analyst in Arakan State.

A shortage of medicines in Sittwe has led to the deaths of some people with hepatitis A. A 29-year-old man from Sittwe's Dhanyawaddy Ward died of hepatitis A on September 6.

Sittwe is an island town, bordering the Arakan Army-controlled Ponnagyun, Rathedaung, and Pauktaw townships, and is surrounded by the sea and rivers. Currently, there are military tensions between the Myanmar military and the Arakan Army in the area.

During the battle for control of towns in Arakan State, Sittwe residents tried to escape by any means they could, but there were also many who were unable to leave due to financial and travel difficulties.

Residents of more than 20 villages in Sittwe Township were forcibly evicted by the military regime after June 2024 and are still being held captive in the city as human shields.