Life-saving drugs scarce in hospitals

21 February 2026 04:25 pm Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 4 Bookmark

CHATURANGA PRADEEP SAMARAWICKRAMA Follow

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Colombo, Feb. 21 (Daily Mirrir) - Despite assurances from the Health Ministry that medicines are available, medical associations say shortages of essential drugs continue to plague government hospitals.

Antibiotics, painkillers, and medications for chronic illnesses are reportedly either unavailable or critically low in stock, with some hospitals struggling to provide even basic life-saving treatments.

Dr Chamal Sanjeewa, President of the Medical and Civil Rights Doctors' Trade Union Alliance, said medicine availability in government hospitals is unpredictable. “Shortages can happen suddenly and last for days, leaving patients to bear the consequences,” he added.

“Medicines used before and after eye surgeries must meet strict quality standards,” Dr Sanjeewa said. “Some newly procured drugs contain levels of non-medicinal ‘free particles’ above recommended limits, making them unsuitable for surgical use.”

He warned that arbitrary decisions by the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) could compromise the quality of eye medications in the state hospital system. He said specialist doctors’ recommendations were ignored during procurement, raising serious concerns about patient safety.

Dr Sanjeewa also said that ophthalmologists had raised these concerns with NMRA Chairman Dr Ananda Wijewickrama, but the issues were reportedly not addressed.

The Health Ministry, however, said that most shortages have been resolved and that sufficient funds are available for emergency local procurement.

Comments - 4

Iwazaru Saturday, 21 February 2026 04:45 PM

What Chamal Sanjeewa says needs to taken as a pinch of salt. Just politics.

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Zarook Sunday, 22 February 2026 06:38 PM

Pacha Kumara no action Pacha talking only. Enjoying super luxuries similar to kaputas. Advisors are oligarchs.

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Amal Saturday, 21 February 2026 05:16 PM

What infernal Governments and Public Servants we have had, we have and will always have who are voted into power by infernal voters and who are paid with public money, that even basic Health Care is not available to the masses because of their lethargy.

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Dr. Dee esquire Sunday, 22 February 2026 07:28 AM

Past 75 years government faults. Don’t talk about past 1 1/2 years.

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