Because the Arakan Army (AA) has completely sealed off the Bangladesh border, pregnant women, chronic patients, and emergency cases in Maungdaw are facing life-threatening situations without access to medical treatment, according to local sources speaking to wsnews24.com.
On September 24, the AA summoned six township administrators to a meeting and announced that all cross-border movements would be closed. They declared that no patients would be allowed to go to the Bangladesh side for medical care.
Maungdaw has only two hospitals, operated by a single doctor, and they face shortages of medicines and equipment. As a result, patients struggle to receive treatment, and the Rohingya community in particular is experiencing serious health risks and hardships, reports say.
Previously, with AA’s permission, some patients had been able to cross into Bangladesh for treatment. However, that option has now been revoked, and even patients who went for treatment and returned have been detained by the AA, locals said, describing the difficulties they are facing.
Due to the AA’s blockade of the border, Maungdaw residents are now completely cut off from healthcare services. Local communities and international observers have pointed out that this amounts to a violation of the human rights of the Rohingya.
