Delayed decisions cause for drug shortages: Health Minister

Colombo, May 25 (Daily Mirror) - Delays in procurement decisions during 2024 have led to current shortages of essential medicines in Sri Lanka, said Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa.

The Minister revealed that tenders were called for only 67 types of drugs in the first five months of 2024, despite the country importing hundreds annually.

He made these remarks while speaking at an event in Colombo.

He added that tenders have now been called for 233 medicines that had long been delayed, with procurement processes for all 233 completed so far in 2025. 

Noting that 65% of drugs used in public hospitals are imported, he explained that the procurement process takes up to nine months due to its complexity.

Furthermore,  Jayatissa said the State Pharmaceuticals Corporation must supply 450 medicines for 2026, with tender procedures already underway for 435 and procurement completed for 418. Of these, 325 have reached the final evaluation stage.