Unavailability of essential drug All elective cesarean surgeries at Kalutara Hospital suspended

By Sheain Fernandopulle   

All elective cesarean section surgeries at the Teaching Hospital Kalutara have been halted in order to preserve the remaining 17 vials of an anaesthetic drug called Marcaine Spinal Heavy needed to carry out elective cesarean sections, Daily Mirror learns.   

According to informed sources, the limited stock of 17 vials of Heavy Marcaine which will be sufficient for approximately two days, are reserved for emergency situations.   
The decision to halt the elective cesarean surgeries has been taken at the yesterday’s consultants’ meeting at the hospital auditorium.   

Besides, the hospital management has also decided to transfer those patients to a healthcare facility with the availability of the anaesthetic drug.   

Further, it was learnt that this medication is not available for local purchasing in the private sector.   

As such, the hospital management has informed the matter to the Health Ministry and requested support and assistance in ensuring the continuous availability of this important medication.