ULA seeks to strengthen public healthcare services in Arakan State

By Admin 03 Feb 2026

DMG Newsroom

3 February 2026, Kyauktaw

The United League of Arakan, the political wing of the Arakan Army, is working to strengthen healthcare services across the 15 townships it controls in Arakan State.

To improve public medical care the ULA Department of Health announced on January 31 that it will open a Nursing Science School and is inviting applications from local youths.

According to the announcement applicants who passed the old matriculation system before 2024 with a science combination must have a combined score of at least 170 marks in Biology, Physics and Chemistry.

Applicants who completed the new Grade 12 curriculum between 2021 and 2025 must have obtained at least a C grade in Biology Chemistry and Physics.

Successful candidates will be required to complete a four-year nursing program and sign a bond committing to serve as healthcare staff after graduation.

“They have been consistently calling for medical and pharmacy training. However, the courses are long and, in some cases, students have to cover their own living expenses. This makes many youths hesitate to apply,” said a young woman from Mrauk-U Township.

The recruitment follows earlier calls by the Department of Health for a Medical Science School in late December 2025 and midwifery training for women under 25 in August 2025. Recruitment was also conducted last year for Health Supervisor Level 1 and Public Health Supervisor Level 2 positions.

“I welcome the opening of these medical and nursing schools to provide full healthcare to the public. But these professional courses take time. At present there are serious gaps in local healthcare including shortages of medical staff and skilled doctors,” said a local man in Kyauktaw.

Meanwhile residents remain afraid to seek treatment at hospitals and clinics as the Myanmar military regime continues to target medical facilities in Arakan State.

The lack of medical specialists remains a major challenge. Some residents travel to India for treatment while others attempt to reach mainland Myanmar through any available means despite ongoing blockades.

“These medical training programs from pharmacy to supervision provide job opportunities for youths under the ULA administration. However, many families are struggling to survive and cannot afford the cost of living during the training period which forces some to give up applying,” said a displaced young woman in Sittwe.

The ULA has also been recruiting personnel for various administrative sectors including education, healthcare, municipal services taxation and fire services.

While residents acknowledge visible progress in reconstruction efforts in areas controlled by the Arakan Army, they say major challenges persist in the healthcare and education sectors.