Doctors demand clarity as confusion grows

28 July 2025 09:29 am Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 8 Bookmark

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Colombo, July 28 (Daily Mirror) - Doctors across the country remain deeply confused and uncertain over the Health Ministry’s new circular that outlines how state hospitals should allow patients to buy medical drugs and surgical items from outside suppliers.

This situation has left patients also in state of helplessness as doctors find it difficult to act on the circular.

Despite the circular being introduced to bring clarity and control, following allegations against a top neurosurgeon accused of selling medical items through a private company, medical professionals familiar with the matter told Daily Mirror that it has raised more questions than answers.

Specialists say they are still unsure how to properly implement the new guidelines, with major concerns over vague terms like “best interest” and “highest ethical standards” that are left open to interpretation.

One of the main issues is the lack of proper updates from hospitals on what medicines and equipment are actually out of stock.

Without this, doctors say they can’t follow the rule that patients should only be asked to buy items externally if they are truly unavailable in the hospital.

Busy clinics are also worried about the practical workload. Having to fill out written declarations for every single item—including common ones like antibiotics—could slow down treatment and overwhelm medical teams. Some doctors suggest setting a minimum price limit, such as Rs. 2,500, to avoid unnecessary red tape for low-cost items.

There are also concerns over the unavailability of standard forms, the need for pharmacists to be present 24/7, and the fact that only generic drug names are listed—without clear NMRA certification. This has raised fears over the safety and quality of the items being purchased.

Until these grey areas are resolved, doctors say the system remains confusing, and the risk of missteps is high. “We’re still in the dark,” one consultant said. “We need clear, workable guidelines—fast.”

Meanwhile, Daily Mirror’s continuous attempts to contact Director General of Health Services failed.

Comments - 8

Maalumama Monday, 28 July 2025 09:48 AM

Why on earth are the Ministry officials not responding to these questions? First and foremost is the fact that like food health care requires immediate action. These observations have been in the public domain for almost a month, after the issuance of the health ministry circular. But no response from the authorities. Please do clarify the queries raised by Drs. Pharmaceutical companies too may be adding to the confusion since the authorities are trying to prevent rampant corruption and exploitation of patients.

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Daranaama Monday, 28 July 2025 10:55 AM

Health Ministry shall effectively use e-procument and also IT based stock Control systems to effectively manage the Medicial drugs. It is a well known fact that while some Hospitals are out of stock of some drugs, while the neibouring Hospital throws away the same drug which has expired the effctive period. What a crime in this Digital world!

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sathees Monday, 28 July 2025 11:27 AM

There is a study, when Dr. go on strike the population was healthier . . .

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hm Monday, 28 July 2025 11:39 AM

It is obvious that medicine is in short supply. Obviously doctors need to ask patients to get medicine from outside and there is nothing wrong in doing so. The issue here was the said doctor tried to make a profit of 300% when the same was available for less. Now when the law was applied to one corrupt doctor its puzzling why other doctors have suddenly become confused??

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Insider Monday, 28 July 2025 04:13 PM

All this UNNECESSARY FUSS by doctors. If you act properly and to your conscience, and only prescribe outside sourcing after checking your own hospital pharmacy, why this fuss. The pharmacist can easily endorse on the prescription "NOT Available" and then the doc can go ahead.

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Cassie Monday, 28 July 2025 11:41 AM

It is very apparent that state systems are like headless chickens. Take any state department whether it is health, education, tax, land and title registry, etc. There is no proper systems in place because those decision makers at the highest office lack the training and the understanding to create and implement policies methodically. The employees lack training and knowledge of the policies. Organizationatiinal skills are non existent. This is due to decades of having politicians and their personal appointees in important positions. They don't know what they are doing and it has given birth to chaos and vast irreparably broken systems.

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Terrence K Monday, 28 July 2025 11:59 AM

Going through the comments exchanged by different parties we see that this matter has been blown out of proportion where it has resulted in a confusion among the Doctors,Pharmacies and those dealing in the medical field ie. Companies importing drugs etc. as there is no solution when politicians try to burn the candle from both sides. . All this resulted when politicians of the ruling party were searching loopholes to implicate anyone opposing them as they felt that on a daily basis there should be some sensational news to feed the appetites of their voters. Moreover whilst bribery and corruption should be dealt it should never be an environment for hounding people who do not toe their line of thinking. With time the public will be able to understand that the present ruling politicians are providing sensational news on a daily basis and when this gets exhausted the public will realize that all this is a manipulation to keep their popularity in focus!!!!

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Shane Fernando Monday, 28 July 2025 02:49 PM

There is no reason why patients can’t be asked to buy unavailable drugs from outside but not from the doctors private company through the doctors nominated henchman waiting in the car park, and at 10 times the price and that’s where the criminal offense lies.

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