The country is heading towards a massive shortage of antibiotics that are used to treat from minor to major infections in children and even adults, All-Island Private Pharmacy Owners' Association (AIPPOA) President Chandika Gankanda said.

He told the Daily Mirror that the country only has 20% of essential medicines, which is only enough for another two months.

"With the colossal depreciation of rupee against the US dollar, it is unable to import them. The major three drug importers have found it difficult opening Letters of Credit (LCs), despite the fact that the LCs have been opened, the majority of the foreign pharmaceutical companies have no assurance with the Sri Lankan rupee due to Fitch Ratings' downgrading of Sri Lanka's long-term foreign currency.

It is hard to find antibiotic syrups for children and infants in hospitals or even at pharmacies. Now the antibiotic shortage has affected the elderly too.

Currently most crucial and life saving antibiotics pediatric dosage forms such as Azithromycin, Clarithromycin, cefalexin etc.,are not available in both private and government sector.

In addition to antibiotics other essential medicines like Clobazam, Chlorpheniramine , Some dosage forms of thyroxine etc also not available in both sectors

Meanwhile, the Pharmacy Owners' Association today requested a discussion with the newly-appointed Health Minister regarding the issue and the distribution of drugs. (Chaturanga Samarawickrama)