Non-emergency surgeries stopped at NHSL, patients facing malnutrition: Trade Union Further to a letter circulated on social media stating that several cardio-thoracic surgeries have been cancelled due to the shortage of anesthesia, vital medications and the inability for medical professionals to travel to hospitals, it has been learnt that patients are now being forced to manage by themselves within the hospital setting. Speaking to The Morning, All Ceylon Nurses Union (ACNU) Secretary H M Mediwatte stated that patients are now facing malnutrition and the situation is critical. "Surgeries have been cancelled due to the lack of drugs and the surgeons and staff not able to travel to the hospital. What is even worse is that patients are not given food now. For those who arrive for treatment into Colombo from rural areas, this is particularly hard hitting. They are unable to go out and buy food as they are admitted. Hospitals have not seen eggs or fish in ages. Patients are given just rice and dhal, no protein in the form of eggs or meat. This is bad as protein is vital for patients. Surgeries for emergency patients and cancer patients will continue, but for how long? How long can we hold on for? Nurses are struggling without going home and are working long hours just to take care of patients, but they also cannot hold on for longer," said Mediwatte. He further mentioned that due to the shortage of local anesthesia, certain procedures are now being done under General Anesthesia. "There is nothing that can be done. All are given General Anesthesia and procedures are done. People will soon die of the lack of medicines and food. That is the fact. This is hard to say but that is the truth. Diabetics, cardiac patients, cancer patients, the elderly and children are going to be the ones who suffer the most. It is sad that a generation will perish due to irresponsible decisions taken by the people who should be accountable," he mentioned. Earlier today, a letter had been circulated on social media, signed by cardiologists at he National Hospital, stating that due to the ongoing fuel shortage and inability to obtain fuel even from designated petrol sheds, the number of surgeries have now been limited.