No shortage of essential medical items: Ministry of Health officials

By Ajith Siriwardana

The Ministry of Health officials informed the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Health, Media and Women’s Empowerment that there is no shortage of essential medical items at present.

The officials said this in response to an inquiry made by the Committee regarding the availability of very essential medical items.

Officials from the Ministry of Health informed the Committee that the current shortage of medicines has arisen due to delays in placing orders in previous years.

However, they assured the Committee that the procurement process for the year 2026 has already commenced, and there will be no shortage in 2026.

They further stated that by the end of this year, 80% to 90% of essential medicine items are expected to be available in the country.