Concerns raised over shortage of several drugs in hospitals

The Health Ministry is grappling with a shortage of multiple drugs, including several essential drugs, a senior official said.

Speaking to Daily Mirror, Medical Supplies Deputy Director General Dr. G. Wijesuriya said while the shortage has affected several hospitals, the situation is under control as measures are being implemented to address the issue.

“There are about 130 drugs currently in shortage at the Medical Supplies Division, while about 85 drugs are in short supply in hospitals,” he pointed out.

“The ministry has recommended the use of substitutes for certain drugs facing shortages," he said.

In addition, he stated that instructions had been given to airlift specific drugs which are in immediate need.

When asked about the reasons behind the shortage, Dr Wijesuriya said the key challenge is the lack of adequate suppliers

However, Dr Wijesuriya reassured that there is no shortage of 14 lifesaving drugs.

Out of the approximately 1,300 drugs currently in use, 383 are considered essential.

Speaking to Daily Mirror, All-Island Private Pharmacy Owners' Association (ACPPOA) President Chandika Gankanda said their pharmacies have not encountered a significant shortage of drugs.

Meanwhile, commenting on the matter, Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said that action would be taken to resolve the shortage in medicines including Sodium bicarbonate within the next few days.

According to 'Swastha' which is the information management system of the availability of medicinal drugs, items such as Ampicillin Injection 500mg vial, Cloxacillin capsule 500mg, Co-Amoxiclav Dispersible Tablet 156.25mg, Cefalexin (Cephalexin) Capsule 500mg, Cefuroxime Sodium Injection 250mg Vial, Cefepime for Injection 500mg Vial, Netilmicin Injection 100mg, Clarithromycin syrup 125mg, Sodium Fusidate Tablet 250mg, Ethionamide Tablet 250mg, Trimethoprim Tablet 200mg, Pyrazinamide Tablet 400mg, Cycloserine capsule 250mg, Clofazimine Tablet, Ofloxacin Tablet 400 mg etc, are in short supply.