State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi said that medical treatment cost for an ordinary COVID-19 patient is around 1.5 million Kyats and if in critical condition, it is around 5 million Kyats in her televised speech concerning the latest situation of COVID-19 in Myanmar on December 4.

“If one is infected with COVID-19 and undergo medical treatment, the medical coverage is between 1.5 million to 2 million Kyats. It represents both direct and indirect cost. If one is in serious condition, it is around 2.5 million and 5 million Kyats. It is also for direct and indirect medical coverage cost. So, please think about it. In Myanmar, we have more than 90,000 or nearly 100,000 infected people. You can imagine how much money we have spent on medicinal costs. If we had to spend between 1.5 million to 2 million Kyats for an ordinary patient, this is equivalent to the amount of money we would have to spend to provide vaccines to 300 patients when we get these vaccines,” said Aung San Suu Kyi. 

She said that she understands the pressure people faced as the COVID-19 pandemic are getting longer. But, people need to pay special attention especially this time. As we hoped earlier, the number of infected people has risen after one week of general election. 

Besides, public gathering occurred in Tazaungtaing holiday. There will be consequences to it. These are inevitable. As I have frequently said, wear mask, wash your hands and abide by 6 feet rule when go out. But, people have not followed these rules and regulations. Therefore, infection rate has increased not only in states and regions but in the entire nation.

She added that even if the vaccines are available, we have to buy in competition with other countries. Donations make a certain amount but the majority of the vaccines will have to buy the State's budget which means coming from people. Although the government is spending money for the people they had to spend money for unavoidable reasons not where this money should be spent.

In addition, it is important to avid public gathering at Christmas and New Year time. As long as there are public gatherings, there will be a spread of COVID-19. It’s been nine months since Myanamr has suffered COVID-19. She added that rehabilitation must work in the coming year.