While the Health Ministry has clarified recent media reports regarding drug shortages in government hospitals, the Government Medical Officers' Association (GMOA) stated that the Government should clearly address the issues raised by sectoral stakeholders regarding such shortages.

Speaking to The Daily Morning yesterday (16), the GMOA Secretary Dr. Prabath Sugathapala said that the regional committees of the GMOA have been informed about problems in the drug supply and distribution at the local level. “When we raise concerns through the media or by other means, we expect the Government to look into them. We hope that they will take the necessary actions when required,” he said.

He also stated that the Health Ministry has already been informed of these issues, and that both the Health Minister and Deputy Minister have acknowledged the drug shortages.

Last week, issuing a statement in response to the reports, Deputy Health Minister Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni clarified that there is no shortage of common medicines, such as those prescribed for high blood pressure and diabetes. However, he admitted that there have been some disruptions in the supply chain affecting certain medications and noted that steps have been taken to address the issue.