Drug shortage to ease in three months; but damage already done

• Antibiotics, heart medications, anaesthetic drugs in short supply 

By Sheain Fernandopulle   

The ongoing drug shortage crisis is expected to ease within the next three months, senior health sector sources told the Daily Mirror, attributing the turnaround to urgent corrective measures taken by the current administration.  
The shortage which has crippled hospitals and pharmacies across the country, is being blamed on serious lapses under former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella’s tenure.   
“The collapse we’re witnessing now is the result of months of mismanagement and neglect,” a senior source said on condition of anonymity.   
“While urgent orders have now been placed, the impact of those measures will only be seen in the coming months.” The country is currently facing an acute shortage of antibiotics, heart medications, anaesthetic drugs, special painkillers, and several other essential items required for surgeries.   
The crisis has extended well beyond public hospitals, with private pharmacies also running low on critical stock.  
Thushara Ranadeva, President of the Government Pharmacists’ Association, told Daily Mirror that cancer medications and many other vital drugs are severely lacking at state-run Osusalas.  
“Patients are being sent from one pharmacy to another, unable to find vital medicines,” he said, warning that lives have already been endangered due to the delay in treatment.  
Multiple attempts to obtain a response from the Health Ministry went unanswered.