Burma Healthcare

The private healthcare sector expenditures in Burma are gradually increasing, mainly due to growing healthcare awareness after the COVID-19 pandemic, despite the economic impact of the military coup. Burma doesn’t have national health care insurance. Patients in Burma self-pay for about 80% of all medical expenses, and the health care system has one of the highest out-of-pocket payment rates among Southeast Asia countries.

The healthcare industry in Burma faces various challenges, including issues with electricity generation, inflationary pressures, regulatory uncertainty, logistical constraints, transportation difficulties, and inadequate healthcare facilities in rural areas. These challenges have significantly disrupted the business landscape and have had a notable impact on the healthcare sector. Despite these hurdles, Burma’s healthcare system has shown resilience, developing healthcare solutions such as telemedicine, mobile clinics, and online platforms as alternative healthcare delivery pathways.  

US companies operating in the healthcare digital platform are advised to actively collaborate with stakeholders in the private healthcare sector of Burma in order to expand the market presence. Burma’s business culture has its own characteristics and complexities. Finding the right local partner with a solid background and good reputation is key to entry and success in the Burma healthcare market. Given the political crisis and other conflicts in the country, U.S. companies nevertheless must be particularly mindful of reputational risks.  

Before doing business in Burma, visit our office page for the latest updates on sanctions, export controls, and the investment climate for Burma. For assistance with Burma Healthcare Sector, U.S. exporters can email the Burma office at the U.S. Commercial Service Department.