Children’s drugs in shortage? Health authorities break silence

By Sheain Fernandopulle  

Amid concerns among parents about a shortage of medicines for children, the health authorities have denied that there is any serious shortage at the hospitals. 

Speaking to the Daily Mirror, Lady Ridgeway Hospital Director Dr Pradeep Wijesinghe said there is no critical shortage of Ethosuximide, as claimed by unions.   

“I strongly reject these claims. There is no acute shortage of Ethosuximide at Lady Ridgeway Hospital. If anyone says otherwise, they should provide details. We are ready to check and clarify,” he said.   

His comments come after a doctors’ union claimed that some state hospitals, including Lady Ridgeway Hospital, were facing difficulties in maintaining a steady supply of key medicines, forcing parents to buy them from private pharmacies at high cost.   

Dr Wijesinghe explained that the hospital regularly monitors its medicine stocks and works closely with the Medical Supplies Division to avoid treatment interruptions, especially for children with long-term illnesses such as epilepsy.   

He admitted that minor delays can sometimes happen due to supply or procurement issues, but stressed that such matters are resolved quickly to ensure children continue receiving treatment.   

“Our main focus is the health and safety of children. We take these concerns seriously. But we must also avoid causing unnecessary fear among parents,” he said.   

He urged parents to contact hospital authorities directly if they face any difficulty in obtaining prescribed medicines.