• Does not always reflect accurate ground reality: Dr. Wijemuni

Deputy Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni yesterday (14) denied reports of a shortage in key medications for conditions such as hypertension and diabetes.

Acknowledging long-standing issues within the pharmaceutical supply chain, he stressed that the ministry had already initiated corrective measures.

“This is not a recent development; it is a situation that has persisted for years. We have investigated the shortcomings and taken necessary actions to address them,” he said.

Dr. Wijemuni said that the Government had also implemented steps to prevent medicine shortages from affecting patients, with a complete resolution of supply issues projected by 2026.

He also highlighted limitations in the ‘Swastha’ system, which is currently used to track pharmaceutical stocks in hospitals, noting that it did not always reflect the accurate, on-ground availability of medications.

“If certain medicines appear to be in short supply, hospitals have been authorised to independently procure what is needed. The absence of 180 medications in central storage does not mean patients will go without treatment,” he clarified.

To further address concerns, the Deputy Minister announced that a shipment of medications, sufficient for 10 months, was expected to arrive in the country within the coming weeks. 

This delivery is expected to ease shortages, particularly in post-cancer treatment medications. Additionally, an alternative strategy for managing these shortages is scheduled to be introduced next week.

Dr. Wijemuni urged media outlets and relevant organisations to handle information about the country’s pharmaceutical supplies responsibly, cautioning against unnecessarily alarming the public.

“The necessary steps are being taken to ensure the continued supply of essential medicines in Sri Lanka,” he reassured.

Nevertheless, Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) Spokesperson Dr. Chamil Wijesinghe on Friday raised the alarm over severe medicine shortages in Sri Lanka, reporting that as of May, nearly 180 essential medicines were missing from central storage, with around 50 more lacking in hospitals. 

The shortages include painkillers, antibiotics, and medications for chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, kidney ailments, and cancer.

Dr. Wijesinghe criticised the Ministry of Health for failing to resolve these persistent issues, noting the Health Minister had previously admitted that procurement delays in 2024 were to blame. 

He questioned why the problem had not been detected sooner and warned that the situation could force emergency procurements, increasing the risk of public fund misuse.