2 September 2019 03:32 pm
There was a shortage of 319 essential and 324 other drugs in the Central Medical Stores, the Government Medical Officers' Association (GMOA) alleged today.
Addressing a news briefing, GMOA Secretary Dr. Haritha Aluthge said if the situation in the Central Medical Stores was so bad, the situation at hospitals in the entire country could be worse.
“There are issues with regard to the standard of drugs and also the severe shortage of drugs in government hospitals. Most of the hospitals are finding it difficult to provide optimum services in clinics, the OPD and in-house care, owing to this problem,” Dr. Aluthge said.
“The Health Ministry, which is under Minister Rajitha Senaratne has failed to deliver the best healthcare service to the people. This chaotic situation has put the lives of people in danger,” he added.
He said the Health Ministry appears to have imported substandard drugs to be given to pregnant women and children.
Several general hospitals have reported that there was a huge shortage of drugs prescribed for several diseases including drugs for heart patients.
Meanwhile, Dr. Aluthge said there was an alleged attempt to hide this situation by the officials including the Director of the Central Medical Stores, who is said to have been appointed through political influence. (Sheain Fernandopulle)
Video by Sanjeewa