Drug shortage puts medical professionals in quandary

Colombo, June 23 (Daily Mirror) - In the wake of Daily Mirror’s reports on the prevailing shortage of critical drugs, medical specialists have raised serious concerns over the lack of clear directives from the Ministry of Health regarding how doctors should act when essential medical items are not available within the public health system.

In a letter addressed to the Health Minister, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, the Association of Medical Specialists (AMS) pointed out that medical staff are increasingly being forced to request patients to obtain medicines, consumables, and laboratory investigations from external sources, an act that, in the absence of official guidance, has subjected them to public criticism and professional risk.

The AMS questioned whether it is permissible for doctors to issue prescriptions for medical items not available in hospital pharmacies and whether they are allowed to direct patients to specific suppliers particularly when items are only available through a limited number of vendors and time-sensitive care is needed, such as in cardiology, orthopedics, or trauma surgery.

Concerns were also raised about outpatient settings, where local purchasing procedures are not feasible. The association asked whether medical staff must obtain administrative approval in every case before recommending outside purchases.

Furthermore, they sought clarity on whether doctors are permitted to refer patients to private laboratories for investigations that are not available within the hospital system and, if so, whether they can specify reliable testing centres.

Another concern highlighted by the AMS is whether doctors are allowed or even obligated to inform patients and their families about the non-availability of medicines, devices, or investigations in state hospitals.

The letter warned that withholding such information could lead to allegations of negligence or non-disclosure and trigger formal complaints to the Sri Lanka Medical Council (SLMC).

“There are many misconceptions and allegations against medical professionals who are at the receiving end when they face shortages in the public health system,” the AMS noted. “Without written directives, we are left in a grey area accused whether we inform patients or remain silent.”

In light of the situation, the association has requested an urgent meeting with the Health Minister and relevant stakeholders to discuss these issues and formulate a clear, written policy.