Pajau Media
7th October, 2024
According to local residents of Nawng Mun, there has been a rise in the number of flu patients in the Nawng Mun region, Putao Township from the last week of September through the beginning of October. Furthermore, the hospital is experiencing a shortage of medical supplies.
As said by a local resident, “There has been a noticeable rise in flu cases recently. There seems to be one flu patient in every household, leading to further infections and ultimately affecting the entire family. My own family is currently dealing with the flu; my mother contracted it as well, and she also suffers from high blood pressure. Consequently, we had to take her to the hospital. Unfortunately, the hospital is lacking the necessary injectable medications.”
The ongoing scarcity of medications and medical supplies in hospitals and clinics has compelled local patients to resort to self-treatment. Reports indicate that this shortage has persisted for an extended period. Furthermore, it has been noted that essential medications, including those required by pregnant women and those used by individuals suffering from influenza, are also in limited supply.
Although there is a scarcity of medicines and medical supplies in the Nawng Mun region, the prices of goods are somewhat lower compared to the Putao region. Despite the daily arrival of small cargo trucks transporting goods from Myitkyina to Putao, the prices in that area have remained unchanged.
The present cost of gasoline per liter has increased to 13,000 kyats in the Putao region. In contrast, gasoline is available for purchase at 8,000 kyats per liter in the Nawng Mun area.
Nawng Mun is located approximately 60 miles from Putao and has a population of nearly five thousand individuals. A local resident informed Pajau Media that while the prices of goods remain reasonable, there is growing concern among the community regarding the scarcity of medical supplies.
Comments