Is Sri Lanka on the verge of an acute drug shortage?

By Sheain Fernandopulle  

Sri Lanka’s public healthcare system is under growing strain as shortages of essential medicines continue to affect hospitals and central medical stores.   

The medical professionals have warned that a wide range of critical drugs including painkillers, antibiotics, and medications for chronic conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and kidney disease remain in short supply.   

Of particular concern is the declining availability of cancer drugs, which has made timely treatment difficult for many patients. For most families, buying these medications privately is financially out of reach.   

They expressed frustration over the ongoing situation saying health authorities have failed to take meaningful steps despite repeated warnings.  

Even though the Health Minister has previously acknowledged the issue, little progress has been made.   Responding to growing public concern, Deputy Health Minister Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni assured that there is no shortage of commonly prescribed medicines in government hospitals.   

He confirmed that treatments for conditions like hypertension and diabetes are available without disruption. However, he admitted that certain other medications have been affected due to long-standing supply chain problems.   “These disruptions are not new; they have existed for several years,” Dr. Wijemuni said, adding that steps are now being taken to fully resolve the issue by 2026.