10-9-2023 (YANGON) Former leader Aung San Suu Kyi, currently imprisoned, is reportedly experiencing symptoms of low blood pressure, including dizziness and loss of appetite. However, she has been denied access to treatment at qualified medical facilities outside the prison system, according to a medical worker who disclosed this information on the condition of anonymity due to concerns about reprisals from the military authorities.
Suu Kyi, 78 years old, was detained in February 2021 following the military’s seizure of power from her democratically elected government. Her health began to deteriorate late last month, as indicated by the anonymous medical worker.
In a separate account, an anonymous military officer corroborated a report from the BBC’s Myanmar-language service, revealing that Suu Kyi is suffering from a severe toothache that has made eating difficult and has led to vomiting.
However, Major-General Zaw Min Tun, the spokesperson for the ruling military council, has contradicted these claims, stating that Suu Kyi is in good health.
In response to the report, Suu Kyi’s son, Kim Aris, who resides in Britain, conveyed his outrage, stating, “To deny a sick prisoner access to recommended medical care is callous and cruel.”
Efforts to seek comment from Myanmar’s prison department by the Associated Press went unanswered.
Suu Kyi is currently serving a combined 27-year prison sentence, resulting from convictions on a series of criminal charges. Her supporters and independent analysts argue that these charges were fabricated to discredit her and legitimize the military’s seizure of power. Initially, she received a total sentence of 33 years. However, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, the head of the military government, granted clemency in five cases, reducing her sentence by six years. This move was part of a broader amnesty for over 7,000 prisoners, marking a Buddhist religious holiday in August.
Suu Kyi is under the continuous care of a doctor assigned to the primary prison in the capital, Naypyidaw. This care includes monitoring her blood pressure at least three times daily during her recent illness, as disclosed by the medical worker. Additionally, she receives monthly medical check-ups from more senior physicians based at the military hospital in Naypyidaw.
It’s worth noting that precise details regarding Suu Kyi’s health and her current whereabouts remain undisclosed. While there were reports in late July suggesting her possible transfer from Naypyidaw prison to house arrest as part of the clemency measures, the military authorities have not confirmed this.
