Risk of medicine shortage due to dollar crisis, trade union warns

The ongoing depreciation of the Sri Lankan rupee against the US dollar could trigger a shortage of medicines in both the public and private sectors, Medical and Civil Rights Doctors' Trade Union Alliance Chairman Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa warned.

He said the increase in the rupee value required for importing medicines has created serious challenges for importers and healthcare providers.

He pointed out that importers are now forced to spend significantly more rupees to clear medicine orders that were placed when the dollar value was lower, while the cost of importing new stocks has also sharply increased.

According to him, some categories of medicines are already in short supply in pharmacies across the country, and if the situation continues, Sri Lanka could face a medicine shortage similar to the crisis experienced in 2022.

Dr. Sanjeewa further warned that the rising cost of purchasing medicines locally would place an unbearable financial burden on the Treasury.

In light of the situation, he urged the Treasury to focus on providing concessions and relief measures for medicine imports in order to avoid a future healthcare crisis.