Sri Lanka is facing shortages of 133 types of essential medicines, or 21.5 percent of the total, according to data from the Medical Supplies Division cited by former Health Minister Rajitha Senaratne.
Senaratne said that country had 618 types of essential medicines, of which 133 were in short supply, raising concerns about the availability of treatment for patients.
He also cited shortages of medical supplies and equipment, saying 2,132 of the 3,200 essential items required for surgeries and 3,625 of the 4,100 types of surgical instruments were in short supply.
Senaratne said that shortages had affected basic medical procedures, claiming that patients seeking wound dressings were sometimes required to bring their own bandages and plasters.
Notices about shortages of essential items, including surgical supplies, had been displayed at the National Hospital in Colombo.
He also referred to information previously published on the website of Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children, listing shortages of 42 types of medicines and 61 types of surgical instruments.
Senaratne alleged that government policies had contributed to the declining availability of quality medicines and said shortages were affecting both public and private hospitals.
He urged the government to address the shortages and take immediate steps to ensure the availability of essential medicines and medical supplies.
(Sachithra Perera)
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