Over 200 drugs still in shortage in Sri Lanka

By Sheain Fernandopulle

Despite a string of ongoing challenges in the health sector, Sri Lanka continues to face a shortage of 216 drugs, according to an official.

Dr. Saman Rathnayake, Health Ministry Additional Secretary, told Daily Mirror that although the shortage has slightly improved, the Ministry still needs to address the remaining gap and reduce the shortage to below 100 in the coming months.

Dr. Rathnayake reassured that there is no shortage of essential drugs, including 14 lifesaving drugs. Out of the approximately 1,300 drugs currently in use, 383 are considered essential.

“However, the present shortage affects 216 drugs, and efforts are underway to procure them as soon as possible,” he added.