COVID-19 Silently Ravaging Parts of Myanmar with Many Needing Proper Hospitalization and ICU Care Desperately!
Medical News: Although COVID-19 infections are now surging in parts of Asia including Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan, Hong Kong, China and also in parts of Latin America such as Brazil, parts of Myanmar are facing a quiet catastrophe with no media reporting on the dire situation in the country. COVID-19 infections are resurging across several regions of the country—especially in regions that are close to the Chinese border such as Kachin, Shan, and parts of Sagaing—and the situation is deteriorating rapidly. Unlike in other nations where infrastructure and public health responses have improved, Myanmar remains ill-equipped to deal with this new wave of infections, leaving countless lives hanging in the balance.
COVID-19 Silently Ravaging Parts of Myanmar with Many Needing Proper Hospitalization and ICU Care Desperately
According to on-ground accounts from field workers and reports by the International Medical Corps—an NGO currently operating in various parts of Myanmar—the healthcare system is crumbling under the weight of new COVID-19 infections. There is a severe shortage of COVID-19 test kits, essential medical equipment, and antiviral drugs. In many instances, even basic medications like paracetamol and antibiotics are running dangerously low. This
Medical News report found that even private hospitals in larger cities like Mandalay, Yangon, Lashio, and Myitkyina are starting to get overwhelmed, with many unable to take in new patients due to the growing volume of critically ill individuals arriving daily.
No Accurate Data, But the Crisis Is Obvious
One of the most alarming aspects of this unfolding health disaster is the complete lack of official statistics. The military-led government has not released any nationwide figures on COVID-19 infections or related deaths in months. Health experts say this silence is hiding a growing emergency. Locals in border towns report a number of people dying at home, often within days of showing symptoms. Many of these fatalities are not recorded as COVID-related, further skewing the reality of the outbreak.
Informal surveys and ground-level medical teams estimate thousands may be infected, with a concerning rise in severe cases. Ventilators and ICU beds are almost nonexistent in many rural clinics, and oxygen shortages are again being reported. Makeshift isolation wards and emergency field hospitals have been set up by NGOs and volunteers, but these too are now at capacity.
There is literally no genomic sequencing in the country and no one knows what SARS-CoV-2 variants are behind the surge. This is dangerous as Myanmar could become the “natural laboratory” where lethal or more virulent strains of the SARS-CoV-2 could emerge
A Cry for Global Help
The International Medical Corps and other aid workers are calling for urgent intervention by international humanitarian organizations, health NGOs, and even foreign governments. The people of Myanmar, especially those in conflict-affected or remote areas, are in desperate need o
f medical supplies, protective gear, trained medical staff, and ICU-grade equipment.
With healthcare professionals stretched thin and local authorities failing to provide support, communities are relying heavily on informal networks and charities for care. The burden is most acute in ethnic minority regions where pre-existing conflicts have already decimated public services. Reports also suggest that in some villages, entire families have succumbed to the illness without ever seeing a doctor.
Conclusions
Myanmar is facing a growing health catastrophe that is being hidden by silence and a lack of official acknowledgment. COVID-19 is once again wreaking havoc—this time without headlines or global awareness. As hospitals reach full capacity, and with no access to adequate testing, treatment, or critical care, the death toll is likely much higher than anyone knows. Without immediate global assistance, this silent wave could spiral into a humanitarian disaster of enormous proportions.
This is a developing story and we will be providing more updates shortly.
For the latest COVID-19 News, keep on logging to Thailand
Medical News.
Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/india-reports-257-new-covid-19-infections
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/thailand-facing-an-alarming-covid-19-surge-as-infections-rises-to-31688-for-the-week-may-11th-to-17th
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/new-covid-19-wave-due-to-nb-1-8-1-variant-in-hong-kong-triggers-rise-in-deaths-and-severe-cases-among-elderly-and-children
https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/coronavirus
https://www.thailandmedical.news/pages/thailand_doctors_listings
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