- Fears mount over severe medicine shortage
The State Pharmaceuticals Corporation (SPC) yesterday (25) revealed that it was not in a position to import medicine and other medicinal equipment for the next two months due to delays in the Health Ministry procurement process.
It is learnt that previous procurements have been put on hold following the revelation of the controversial immunoglobulin racket.
Additionally, tenders for nearly 180 items have been reportedly reviewed by the same tender committee that handled the controversial medicine tender, raising concerns about the transparency of the procurement process.
The alleged delays are expected to cause a severe shortage in the local market, according to a senior Ministry of Health official, who spoke to The Sunday Morning on conditions of anonymity.
The official emphasised that in order to mitigate the potential shortage, the ministry was in discussions with a major pharmaceutical company affiliated with the Indian Government to import identified essential items within the next two months via the Indian credit line.
When contacted, SPC General Manager Dinusha Dasanayake admitted to shortages in the local market and confirmed procurement delays. “The Ministry of Health is currently importing identified medicines from India,” he stated.
However, another senior SPC official confirmed to The Sunday Morning that the SPC would not be in a position to import medicines for the next two months, attributing it to delays in the procurement process.
The SPC procures and supplies medicines to the Health Ministry and to the private sector market through an open competitive tender procedure.
All expenses incurred in the purchases for the Health Ministry are advanced by the SPC from its own funds and subsequently collected from the ministry.
The SPC receives a service charge of 10% of the cost and freight value of goods for ordering and clearing expenses. After deducting clearance charges, stamp fees, etc., it retains only about 1% for its services.
Association of Health Professionals (AHP) President Ravi Kumudesh told The Sunday Morning that the recent power struggle at the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) and the revelation of the immunoglobulin racket had caused serious procurement delays.
He stressed that some NMRA officials were not granting approvals due to fear, while others saw it as a form of warning. Kumudesh highlighted the urgency of resolving the issue to minimise impending shortages.
He also pointed out a severe shortage of medical syringes, stating that 20 cc and 10 cc syringes were in short supply and hospitals were resorting to using 5 cc syringes for all requirements. The stocks of these 5 cc syringes are expected to last only for a month.
GMOA Spokesman Dr. Chamil Wijesekera stated that several medicines and medical equipment were still in short supply, primarily due to the mismanagement of the Ministry of Health and emphasised on the need for the Government to find an immediate solution.