Sri Lanka braces for possible drug shortage

If LCs not opened, drug shortage inevitable in two months

14 January 2022 07:45 am - 25 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Sri Lanka is likely to face a shortage of drugs in about two months as the country continues to grapple with an economic crisis fuelled by forex shortages.

Speaking to Daily Mirror, Dr. R. M. Saman Kusumsiri Ratnayake, Secretary to the State Ministry of Drug Production, Supply and Regulation said considering the existing situation, they had drafted a priority list of drugs that need to be imported with immediate effect.

“Accordingly, Letters of Credit (LCs) for four consignments of drugs worth USD 5 million have already been opened while we have requested two state banks to open LCs for some other consignments of drugs worth USD 8 million and USD 14 million,” he pointed out.

He said although there is no shortage of drugs at present, there could be a shortage given the foreign exchange crisis.

“We are keeping a close eye on the situation and all relevant measures are being taken to avert such deficiency in future.

However, Dr Ratnayake warned that if the LCs for relevant drugs were not opened in due time, Sri Lanka could be dragged to a drug shortage in about two months.

Meanwhile, he said they were managing the limited stocks at present.

A Letter of Credit is a commitment by the buyer’s bank to pay once the exporter ships the goods and presents the required documentation to the exporter’s bank as proof. (Sheain Fernandopulle)

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Comments - 25

Soldaduva Friday, 14 January 2022 07:51 AM

Thanks to APEY WIRUWA

Bhatiya Siriwardena Friday, 14 January 2022 08:07 AM

Do not put patients lives at stake. Like food, some drugs are essential to many. It is the government's ultimate responsiblity. If can not, pack up and go!

Sunil Friday, 14 January 2022 08:09 AM

This could be the worst cut of all from a regime that is now quite competent at heaping nothing but shortages and misery on the people while the law-makers enjoy a decadent life-style at the expense of the masses. I do hope that the government will not put lives of the patients at risk.

Dhammika Friday, 14 January 2022 08:17 AM

No worries. The Cabraal Paniya can be used.

Terrence Friday, 14 January 2022 08:31 AM

With the shortage of Drugs the public can resort to alternatives from Paniya and Samudra Devi or the Queen of Ganja

Punchi Banda Friday, 14 January 2022 08:34 AM

In the teachings of Buddha every medical treatment can be found (For Muslims in the Koran. We need to get our Theros to be productive and working to bring these treatments into application

TJ Friday, 14 January 2022 08:42 AM

I thought there will be shortage of ice cannabis and marijuana

Ranaweera Friday, 14 January 2022 08:47 AM

So, this is really an alarming situation. Is anyone robbing the forex , we have never been in this situation. I think people are keeping their forex earnings abroad and using other methods to send money.

Iwazaru Friday, 14 January 2022 08:54 AM

Is this the nation security Nandasena was preaching before the presidential election. We can manage without gas, milk power, electricity, rice, bread but not medicine. The CB governor (not suitable to be called the governor) talks big about foreign exchange reserves. There is no money to import drugs. There is even a shortage of Panadol in the market. Please GO and NOW?

Frustrated Citizens Friday, 14 January 2022 09:01 AM

Where is the government we elected ? are people going to die without drugs ? Pathetic

Karalasingam Sivalingam Friday, 14 January 2022 09:17 AM

No, drugs scenario is going to be the worst calamity for all citizens. Fix this problem without excuses.

Nalin Bandara Friday, 14 January 2022 09:19 AM

Sajith has a plan for all the problems in the country. He must be given a chance. Those who criticizes the government will be extremely happy.

Premalal Perera Friday, 14 January 2022 09:57 AM

Cabral will starve the people and pay the debt. That feeds his ego or maybe will make him and his friends a lot of money. So brace yourself. The worst is yet to come.

Sunil Friday, 14 January 2022 10:02 AM

Don't buy using LC's. Since most drugs are from India, Bangladesh and Pakistan buy them on credit by negotiating with respective government to guarantee payment to the Drug companies in their respective countries

Dee Friday, 14 January 2022 10:04 AM

We don't need drugs. All we need is 'jaathika aarakshawa'.

Jude Friday, 14 January 2022 10:23 AM

Tell me, what is NOT in shortage !!???

Jude Friday, 14 January 2022 10:32 AM

If these guys are in CHARGE of Sahara desert then in couple of years there'll be SHORTAGE of Sand !!! YEAH!!

Vernon Friday, 14 January 2022 10:47 AM

Nalin Bandara - Why only now? Every opposition had been saying the same things all these years, and we had been changing our pillows for the headaches. Unless the entire system, elections, laws, constitution changes, there is no hope with the present system, whatever Tom, Dick and Harry comes to power.

Ram Friday, 14 January 2022 11:46 AM

Drug Shortage, No wonder the way the STF and Police are raiding places and removing drugs. Medication shortage is OK as all influential go overseas when sick

Patriot Friday, 14 January 2022 12:22 PM

Why worry. God of money is heading CBSL.

US citizen Friday, 14 January 2022 12:31 PM

Why are you all complaining? You elected democratically for this lot. The Rajapaksa's were known to you as well. So why being so surprised for electing warcriminals?

june macapagal Friday, 14 January 2022 12:49 PM

Why not sell part of the country to India and then get the drugs from them. it is a simple exercise. Like selling the oil tanks. You can now sell the Railway dept to India because they will run an efficient railway service like what they are doing in India. The India Railway is a profit making organization. so better sell the entire railway to India and get the required drugs from them. Like giving tea to Iran for the oil that they supplied

Anne Karunaratne Friday, 14 January 2022 01:04 PM

Don't you think it's a decent thing to resign if you cannot govern??

AB Friday, 14 January 2022 02:51 PM

This is national calamity,we didn't expect such a situation from GR, but as a family they are all rogues, they swindle national wealth to such a tune, now they fly in their own jets

lion Friday, 14 January 2022 03:23 PM

cabbas priority is to appease the creditors while his country men are gasping for breath.

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Sri Lanka braces for possible drug shortage

If LCs not opened, drug shortage inevitable in two months

Comments - 25

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