The Medical Supplies Division (MSD) yesterday (4) confirmed that the National Hospital of Sri Lanka (NHSL) had sufficient stocks of medicines and medical equipment to carry out its operations.
Speaking to The Sunday Morning, Deputy Director General (Medical Services) Dr. G. Wijesuriya stressed that the MSD had distributed sufficient stocks to each and every hospital around the country, including the NHSL, and therefore there could be no major shortage at the hospital.
He also stated that pharmaceutical stocks had improved and that stocks were low for less than 100 medicinal drugs.
Dr. Wijesuriya further said that a discussion had been held at the NHSL on Wednesday (1) regarding the current pharmaceutical shortage.
“At this discussion, the NHSL’s directors told us that they had enough pharmaceuticals in supply to continue their service,” he stated. “Save for one or two items, such as Peracetic Acid (PAA), they have a decent supply.”
Speaking to The Sunday Morning, Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) Media Spokesman Dr. Chamil Wijesinghe said that while the shortage was prevalent, it had greatly reduced and that the number of out-of-stock pharmaceuticals had dropped to 58.
“Compared to the situation around six to eight months back, things have improved,” he said, emphasising that the number of pharmaceuticals out of stock was below 100 for the first time in years.
Dr. Wijesinghe said that the majority of these pharmaceuticals were high-end pharmaceuticals and rarely used. “We can’t say it’s a victory or an achievement, but it is a good phase. Things are heading in a positive direction,” he added, noting that coordination was important in establishing and increasing the efficiency of the procurement system.
Nevertheless, NHSL health workers alleged that the shortages had prevailed for the past several years. “Except for a few items, all other items are in short supply on a daily basis,” a health worker who wished to remain anonymous told The Sunday Morning.
Attempts to contact NHSL Deputy Director General Dr. Kumara Wickramasinghe were futile.