Only Licensed Pharmacies Authorized to Sell Medicines in Arakan, Arakkha Food and Drug Administration Says

News January 26, 2026

A Local Pharmacy in Arakan (photo@onn)

Only licensed pharmacies will be allowed to sell medicines in Arakan, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under the Arakkha Public Health Department has announced, as authorities intensify inspections to reduce health risks stemming from improper distribution of drugs.

According to an FDA official, on-site inspections are being carried out at pharmacies and clinics in multiple townships, including Mrauk-U, Minbya, Kyauktaw, Ponnagyun, and surrounding areas, to ensure compliance with the new regulations.

Under the licensing framework, individuals engaged in the sale of medicines must have at least passed the matriculation examination and completed recognized pharmaceutical training. The measure is intended to curb unsafe practices and improve standards in pharmaceutical services.

Ms. Soe Hnin Wai, the owner of Zambu Htaik Pharmacy, said officials visited her pharmacy in December to instruct operators to apply for licenses. “They clearly stated that sellers must have passed matriculation and completed pharmaceutical training,” she said. “In some places, medicines are sold or mixed without proper knowledge, and injections are given incorrectly. We often hear about harmful side effects. These regulations are ultimately in the public’s interest.”

During inspections, the FDA also directed private pharmacies not to stock or sell TB and ART medicines that are distributed free of charge by the Arakkha Public Health Department. Pharmacies were further urged to dispense medicines in a systematic and responsible manner to prevent avoidable harm to consumers.

The FDA has also imposed a strict ban on the sale of expired medicines and drugs considered unsafe or unsuitable for use.

Despite limited resources, members of the Arakkha Public Health Department said the health sector under the Arakan People’s Revolutionary Government continues to fulfill its core responsibilities in public health care and service delivery, relying on available personnel and volunteer medical professionals to the best of its capacity.

Source@arakanbaynews