Private hospitals seek support from overseas donors for medicines, surgical equipment

All Sri Lankan private hospitals and nursing homes are seeking the assistance from overseas donors to secure the required medicines and medical equipment to save the lives of the patients hit by the acute shortages of such items, due to the ongoing foreign exchange crisis in the country. 

The Association of Private Hospitals and Nursing Homes (APHNH) yesterday issuing a media statement noted that the entire hospital system in Sri Lanka is currently facing a severe crisis, due to the shortages of drugs and medical equipment. 

“Unless the necessary action is taken to rectify the situation as soon as possible, the entire health system of the country could be severely damaged in the near future,” the APHNH warned. 

The statement issued by the association further stated that Director General Health Dr. Asela Gunawardena was also informed on the 76 major medicines, which are identified as out of stock.

“Therefore, with the knowledge of the DGHS, we have decided to request for donation of essential drugs and surgical appliances from Sri Lankans living abroad and all others concerned to tide over this situation,” the association said. 

The APHNH said all drugs received as donations will be distributed free of charge among the patients in need.
The donors, who are willing to contribute, can call APHNH Chairman Dr. Ananda Kuruppu Arachchi on +94 1777755171 and Secretary Dr. Sunil Ratnapriya on +94 773497515 or email them on [email protected] and [email protected].