Shortage of dialysis needles pushes prices up to Rs. 760

By Shane Seneviratne

Colombo, Oct. 7 (Daily Mirror) - The price of injection needles used in the dialysis treatment of kidney patients has risen to Rs. 760, causing great anxiety among patients. Relatives of the patients said that the needles required for dialysis treatment are not available at the hospital, and they are compelled to supply them on their own.

They pointed out that the price of a needle, which had been Rs. 100 at private pharmacies, has now increased to Rs. 760

However, Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said that the successful tenderer had imported a consignment of 400,000 substandard needles, which was subsequently rejected. He said that an allocation has been made to procure the required needles from the private sector.

The Minister said that the shortage had been created by the suppliers, but it could be resolved soon once a fresh stock arrives by October 10.