The BMA and the Royal College of Nursing remain gravely concerned with the situation in Myanmar, now one of the world’s most critical humanitarian crises.

At the forefront of our consternation are the persistent and targeted attacks on healthcare workers and facilities and the resulting near collapse of the healthcare system.

This week, five years ago, the Tatmadaw, Myanmar’s armed forces, staged a military coup and seized control of the Government. Since then, armed conflict has waged; with civilians, particularly protestors and healthcare professionals, being directly and brutally attacked, arbitrarily arrested and killed by Myanmar security forces.

Attacks on healthcare and barriers to accessing healthcare services have been widespread and have intensified throughout the years. Medical supplies have been confiscated or blocked. Violent incidences and airstrikes against healthcare facilities have caused extensive and irreparable damage. Hospitals and clinics have been repurposed for military means. Such actions have resulted in the reduction or complete cessation of healthcare services, restricting civilian access to healthcare and medication – all in clear violation of international humanitarian law and medical neutrality, which demand medical facilities and workers be protected from attack or interference.

The health-related human rights of healthcare professionals and patients have been consistently breached. Healthcare workers must be allowed to carry out their duties without fear of arrest or risk of harm. Instead, they are forced to care for patients in extremely dangerous environments without adequate access to necessary resources and where they themselves could be killed. Since 2024, more than 70 per cent of healthcare professionals have fled the country, reducing the capacity of the overall workforce and affecting access to healthcare.

We urge the Tatmadaw to respect the principle of medical neutrality and their duties under international humanitarian law and international human rights law. Attacks on healthcare workers, healthcare infrastructure, patients and civilians must end and healthcare must be provided without impediment.