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Medicines donated to Sri Lanka not properly distributed to hospitals

05 Jul 2022

BY Buddhika Samaraweera Although the shortage of pharmaceutical drugs and other medical supplies in the country has now been somewhat alleviated due to the donations received from various parties, the distribution of such is not being conducted properly due to the prevailing fuel crisis, claimed the Society of Government Pharmacists (SGP). Speaking to The Morning, SGP President, Ajith Thilakarathna said: “In the recent past, there were not enough stocks of drugs and medical supplies in the Medical Supplies Division (MSD) of the Health Ministry, but now that shortage has been alleviated to some extent given the donations from various quarters. However, at present, the distribution of drugs and other medical supplies to hospitals islandwide is not being done properly.” Due to this issue, he said that a situation has emerged where certain drugs and medical supplies are available with the MSD, but are in deficit at certain hospitals. For example, he said that while there is a drug provided to kidney patients in the MSD, the same is however in short supply in the Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital where kidney patients are often treated. “In the current situation, it is not possible for hospitals to send a vehicle to the MSD in Colombo to bring down the medicines. Also, the lack of fuel has affected the vehicles belonging to the MSD too. This situation has not only affected one hospital, but many hospitals. Especially the patients in distant hospitals are suffering a lot due to this,” he added. Health Ministry Secretary Janaka Sri Chandraguptha was not available for comment. Acknowledging that there is a shortage of 49 out of the 664 essential pharmaceutical drugs, and rabies vaccine in the country, Minister of Health Keheliya Rambukwella recently said that the shortage would however be resolved soon.  He added that despite reports that there is a huge shortage of drugs in the country at present, there is no such uncontrollable shortage of drugs. He noted that there may be some difficulties until next August, but that there will be no room for a serious shortage of drugs until mid-2023 or close to 2024. “Our allies have offered a lot of assistance to keep the country’s health service afloat. We spend close to $ 260 million annually on drug imports. So far, we have received $ 49 million from various sectors. On 20 June, the Australian Government granted us $ 50 million in aid to procure essential food and medicine. Another $ 500 million is expected to be received, of which $ 85 million has already been received,” he said.


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