Amidst the brutal escalating civil war in Myanmar, a catastrophe is unfolding that threatens not just the nation's future, but also the well-being of its people. The country's fragile healthcare system is on the cusp of collapse, with medical workers facing unprecedented danger and scarcity of essential supplies. As the conflict enters its fifth year since the 2021 military coup, thousands of brave medics have joined the pro-democracy movement, putting their lives on the line to provide aid to those in need.
Dr. Elle*, a healthcare professional who has fled to the jungle to offer her expertise to the resistance, is just one example of the immense personal cost faced by these individuals. Despite her unwavering dedication to her country, she now struggles to financially support her elderly parents from afar, leaving her feeling like she is 'failing' them.
The scale of this humanitarian crisis has been starkly highlighted by Dr. Andrew Green, chair of the British Medical Association's (BMA) medical ethics committee, who recently spoke out about the situation at a webinar. He condemned the junta's actions as a clear breach of international law and medical neutrality, stating that 'the reduction or complete destruction of medical services in the country is a stark reality.' The World Health Organization (WHO) corroborates this, having verified 70 attacks on healthcare sites in 2025 alone, resulting in 148 deaths and 186 injuries.
The conflict's ripple effects extend far beyond direct attacks on healthcare facilities. Military blockades have led to severe shortages of vital medical supplies across the nation, including basic items like bandages, antiseptic wipes, antibiotics, IV fluids, and malaria tests. The scarcity of these essentials has triggered a resurgence of preventable diseases such as malaria, compounded by interruptions to maternal and child health services due to lack of safe drinking water and disrupted routine healthcare programmes.
With over 16 million people in need of life-saving assistance and protection services, according to WHO estimates, the cumulative effect of violence and resource deprivation poses a dire threat to the country's future. Data from Insecurity Insight reveals that at least 1,948 incidents of violence against or obstruction of access to healthcare staff have occurred since the conflict began, with 932 health workers arrested and 175 killed.