• Claims two intravenous drugs used to treat nausea and vomiting in short supply
• Urges MOH to take steps to supply all hospitals

The Medical and Civil Rights Professional Association of Doctors (MCPA) claimed that several leading hospitals are running short of certain pharmaceutical drugs given to pregnant mothers undergoing caesarean section to prevent complications after anesthesia.

Speaking to The Daily Morning, MCPA President Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa said that IV Maxolon and IV Ondansetron – used intravenously to prevent and treat nausea and vomiting during and after surgery, among other purposes – are now in short supply amidst the ongoing drug shortage. He warned that their absence increases the risk of complications during caesarean surgeries on pregnant mothers under anesthesia.

“These medicines help prevent patients, particularly pregnant mothers, under anesthesia from developing complications such as respiratory distress during and after surgery. This is a very serious issue. The Ministry of Health must take urgent steps to supply them to all hospitals, along with other unavailable drugs. If not addressed soon, we could face a shortage as severe as in recent years,” he said.

Dr. Sanjeewa also noted shortages of vital antimicrobial drugs in major hospitals, including IV Vancomycin, IV Clarithromycin, and IV Meropenem. He said that in some cases the hospitals have had to buy these medicines from the private sector, where prices are much higher, making it costly for the State.

Deputy Minister of Health Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni and Health Ministry Secretary Dr. Anil Jasinghe were not available for comment. Attempts to contact the College of Anaesthesiologists and Intensivists of Sri Lanka for their opinion about the alleged shortage, failed.

It was reported recently that there is currently a shortage of around 180 types of pharmaceutical drugs, including painkillers, antibiotics, and drugs used to treat various medical conditions.