The Myanmar SAC has arrested several key staff members, including the head doctor, deputy head, and a logistics officer of Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) in Dawei, forcing it to suspend its Metta Yeik Clinic operation, according to sources close to the organization.

The arrests reportedly began in late May, when the logistics officer of MSF Dawei was detained. This was followed in early June by the arrests of the head and deputy doctors. Although the deputy was later released, SAC’s military intelligence (SaYaPha) continue to be called in for questioning almost daily.

Sources said that the arrests followed accusations on military-affiliated Telegram channels, which claimed the MSF team had hired two doctors participating in the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM).

A source affiliated with MSF said remaining staff have gone into hiding out of fear, leading to the interruption of management and medical supply operations. As a result, the clinic is on the verge of closing.

The Metta Yeik Clinic typically provides daily medical care to over 100 general patients and regularly treats around 4,000 chronic patients with conditions such as hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, and more.

“All the senior staff responsible for running the office have been arrested. Since many are in hiding, office operations can’t continue. Medicine procurement and distribution have come to a halt. If the remaining stock runs out, we’ll be forced to shut down the clinic,” the source said.

Closure of the clinic would significantly impact both general and chronic patients.

“If the clinic shuts down, patients will really suffer,” the person emphasized.

According to another MSF-affiliated individual, the arrests were carried out after encouragement from military propaganda Telegram channels, and the staff were taken from the MSF office located in Dawei.

“The ones arrested have been taken, the rest have fled. The office is essentially very difficult to operate,” the source said.

Previously, the Metta Yeik Clinic focused on providing ART (antiretroviral therapy) medication for HIV prevention and treatment. It now provides care primarily also for general illnesses.