By Hanthar Hein - Jun 20, 2024
People in the suburbs and pharmacy dealers said that due to the rise of the price of dollar and transportation difficulties, the prices of home medicines have risen, and it is difficult for the basic people to buy.
Currently, as the rainy season has arrived, there are more cases of flu due to the shift of seasons.
“The flu is on the raise and it is transmitted to other people if a person in a house get infected by fly. The medicine prices are really expensive. 1 card of Decolgen cost around 2,000 kyats before but it is 4,800 kyats right now. Each tablet would cost 500-550 kyats. A card paracetamol cost from 500 to 700 kyats. Sometimes, we can’t even buy it due to the medicine shortage. A visit to a clinic in a suburb cost around 8,000 kyats for a normal illness. So, it is really difficult for the basic people to buy medicine or visit the clinic,” said a resident of Shwe Pyi Thar Township.
Due to the high prices of household medicine, some people have difficulties to afford medicine even if they have health issues.
"One day, while going to the pharmacy to buy medicine, an elderly came to buy for his ill wife. The price of medicine was higher than the before, so he didn't have enough money. I think the medicine is important for them. He stood next to the shop and asked passers-by for money to pay for medicine, so people helped as much as they could. It would be great if those who have the money can help those who are in such difficulty. Helping those in need is more meritorious," said a resident of Hlaing Thar Yar Township.
At the moment, the prices of imported medicines are raising due to raise of dollar price and transportation difficulties, but speculation of some pharmacy traders are also a factor, according to the pharmacies.
“Dollar price and medicine price are relating proportionally. But there are shortages due to difficulties in transportation. So, the medicine traders can speculate the market price. Not only the western medicine but also the traditional Burmese medicine is also on the raise due to the shortage of raw materials,” said a pharmacy store owner.
At present, the people are having a difficult time due to the lack of employment opportunities, low wages and high commodity prices. It is said that due to the high price of medicine and the high cost of medical treatment, the loss of life due to lack of treatment is becoming more common.
