Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa claims shortage of 300 drugs

by Prageeth Sampath Karunathilake

Government hospitals across the country are facing a severe shortage of more than 300 types of essential medicines, according to Medical Specialist Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa.   

He attributed the crisis to mismanagement in the procurement process, compounded by allegations of negligence among officials implicated in the importation of substandard drugs.   Dr. Sanjeewa identified critical medicines such as Immunoglobulin, Sodium Bicarbonate, and Insulin among those in short supply, warning that the scarcity poses significant risks to patients reliant on public healthcare. He expressed concern over the lack of attention to patient deaths potentially linked to these shortages, highlighting the growing vulnerability of those seeking treatment in government hospitals.   

The crisis has roots in allegations involving the former Secretary to the Ministry of Health, Janaka Chandraguptha, who faced accusations of importing substandard medicines during the tenure of former Minister Keheliya Rambukwella. Despite these allegations, no concrete action has been taken, and officials from key institutions, including the Ministry of Health, the State Pharmaceutical Corporation, and the Drug Regulatory Authority, remain in their posts. Dr. Sanjeewa suggested this inertia has perpetuated the supply chain issues, further undermining efforts to ensure the availability of high-quality medicines.   

The impact of the shortages has been devastating in some regions. At Mawanella Hospital, the unavailability of Sodium Bicarbonate—a critical drug for emergency care—has reportedly contributed to the deaths of at least five patients.   

However, Sabaragamuwa Province Director of Health Services, Dr. Kapila Kannangara, disputed the figures, stating that only one death had been recorded, with doctors suggesting the patient might have lived longer if the drug had been available. Efforts to procure Sodium Bicarbonate from private suppliers and import companies have been unsuccessful, with Dr. Kannangara confirming that a limited supply had been redistributed from other hospitals. He noted that while a consignment of 5,000 units had arrived in Colombo, restoring normal stock levels across the system could take up to six months.   

Dr. Sanjeewa warned that the ongoing shortages have eroded public confidence in the state health system. He called for urgent reforms to address the procurement failures, resolve the allegations of misconduct, and ensure accountability among officials. Without immediate action, he cautioned, the crisis will continue to compromise the quality and accessibility of healthcare services nationwide.