Thu, 28 Mar 2024 Today's Paper

SL’s free health sector slammed over critical drug shortage

26 May 2023 08:01 am - 10     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A A A

While sounding the alarm bell that the shortage of drugs in the country has reached a critical stage, Sri Lanka’s leading medical associations accused the Government of turning a blind eye to the matter.

Speaking with the Daily Mirror, Dr Vinya Ariyaratne, the President of the Sri Lanka Medical Association. (SLMA) said “There is an acute shortage of certain drugs at Government hospitals,”

“Particularly in clinics, doctors are writing prescriptions for patients to buy medicines from outside. In addition, some patients do not take the proper dosage due to the exorbitant prices of drugs available at private pharmacies. This is a major issue, which needs to be addressed soon,” he stressed.

“The shortage has been prevalent for the last one and half years; however, the government seems to have taken the seriousness of the matter for granted,’ Dr Ariyaratne charged.

He proceeded to say that the process where the donors provide drugs for the Government, has also been hampered owing to several constraints.

Meanwhile, Media Spokesman for the Government Medical Officers' Association (GMOA) Dr. Chamil Wijesinghe told Daily Mirror there is a shortage of over 120 drugs which includes painkillers, drugs for diabetic, cancer and heart patients.

“The dearth of drugs can be seen both in private and government hospitals. In addition, there is also a shortage of surgical and lab items as well,” he said.

Dr Wijesinghe also added that there is no shortage of 14 life-saving drugs. Nevertheless, the prevailing shortage of spate of drugs needs to be addressed as it could lead to a collapse in the health sector.

Moreover, he said several reasons including the lack of funds, complexity and ambiguity in the procurement system and the monopoly of the suppliers can be identified as the causes for the present drug shortage.

A total of 1,347 types of medicines are being used in government hospitals, and hospitals have faced medical shortages since 2022 due to the country’s economic crisis. (Sheain Fernandopulle)


Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

  Comments - 10

Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka
  • Ram Friday, 26 May 2023 09:54 AM

    Government seeing that pharmacies are stocked with drugs. Shortage in Hospitals will be a saving for the government

    A Patient fast losing patience Friday, 26 May 2023 11:18 AM

    Dishonourable Minister is happy to have shortages of drugs and then to get cabinet approval to circumvent regulations and purchase drugs directly from black-listed pharmaceutical companies.

    Shiran Friday, 26 May 2023 12:15 PM

    Yet another example of Government inefficiency. Shortage of drugs in Government hospitals means the vulnerable people are neglected. Maybe finally the Health officials and the Minister are not getting their commissions, so they are not placing orders

    Sunil Friday, 26 May 2023 12:40 PM

    Apparently the commendable efforts of people like Prof Senaka Bibile to bring essential drugs within the reach of the common man has been in vain due to this wretched government.

    B Friday, 26 May 2023 12:52 PM

    People of Sri Lanka don't understand how lucky they are to even get some medicines. Most countires like Sri lanka even in good times don't get free medicines.

    Ram Friday, 26 May 2023 01:20 PM

    Situation created by selfish bribe taking politicians who do not care tuppence for the poor but ride to Parliament on their votes

    Quolp Friday, 26 May 2023 02:35 PM

    Nothing but another US PLOT to privatize the Health Care that Sri Lankans benefit presently under a "free-will offerings" basis.

    Rukmal Seneviratne Friday, 26 May 2023 02:36 PM

    I earnestly request the president, Mr.RW to visit the Apeksha Hospital and witness the anguish and the agony experienced by the cancer patients when they are told that medicine is not available. Appealing to the health minister is of no avail as he is only interested in finding ways and means to fatten his pocket.

    Manage Saturday, 27 May 2023 07:34 PM

    People should stage a stern protest in front of the ministry of health. If no response from the ministry, stage another aragaliya .

    Part of responsibility Sunday, 28 May 2023 08:44 AM

    "Hospitals have faced medical shortages since 2022 due to the country’s economic crisis." GMOA has given the reason for drug shortage. So, why are you complaining? Try to find ways to reduce wastage and save money to the department. This is also part of your responsibility.


Add comment

Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.

Reply To:

Name - Reply Comment





Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

VAT increase: SOUNDs death knell for publishers, readers

Though the Government imposed VAT (Value Added Tax) on vegetables and other e

How female change-makers are driving Sri Lanka’s energy saving platform

Saving energy has become more of a responsibility than a habit in today’s c

A dull Ramadan awaits Muslims amidst the Soaring Cost of Living

In the coming days, Muslims across the world will welcome the Holy Month of R

New wildlife underpass to curtail HEC

As of February 2024, Sri Lanka lost another 38 elephants as a result of the H