Parents struggle as children’s drug shortage drives private costs

Colombo, Feb. 23 (Daily Mirror) - Parents of critically ill children are being pushed into financial hardship as government hospitals struggle with continuous shortages of essential medicines, a leading doctors’ union claims.

Doctors' Trade Union Alliance for Medical and Civil Rights President Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa alleged that several state hospitals — including the Ridgeway Arya Children's Hospital — are unable to maintain a steady supply of key drugs prescribed for young patients.

He said that due to supply disruptions, hospitals are increasingly directing parents to purchase medicines from private pharmacies. In some cases, families are forced to spend nearly Rs. 30,000 per month for a single medication.

Among the drugs in short supply is Ethosuximide, commonly used to treat seizures in children. According to Dr. Sanjeewa, the high cost of obtaining the drug privately is unbearable for many low-income families, leaving some children at risk of interrupted treatment.

He also said that shortages extend to medicines provided through special pediatric clinics, including treatments for chronic childhood illnesses and kidney-related conditions. Any disruption in these treatments could lead to serious health complications, he warned.

Dr. Sanjeewa called on the government to urgently intervene and restore a continuous supply of essential medicines, stressing that children’s lives should not be compromised due to procurement failures.