State Minister of Production, Supply, and Regulation of Pharmaceuticals Prof. Channa Jayasumana has issued an 08-point letter pertaining to the current shortage of medicines and consumables in Sri Lanka.
In a statement, Prof. Jayasumana said Sri Lanka has listed 14 life-saving medicines, 646 essential medicines, 485 non-essential drugs, 8100 surgical items, and 4500 lab items related to Government healthcare.
He said, however, that there has been difficulty in obtaining some of the medicines, surgical equipment, and consumables to provide general healthcare services at state hospitals.
Prof. Channa Jayasumana pointed out that the issue has occurred due to a lack of US dollars and other foreign currency to open the necessary Letters of Credit (LoC) to import the necessary medicines since November 2021.
The State Minister of Production, Supply, and Regulation of Pharmaceuticals has revealed the 08 steps that had been taken to address the drug crisis in the midst of the economic crisis in the country.
Sri Lankan doctors release drug shortage list, calls for donations
Prof. Channa Jayasumana’s statement contradict’s the Government’s statement earlier today refuting reports of a shortage of essential medicines and consumables at several state hospitals in Sri Lanka.
Stating that several reports on the shortage of medicines and consumables have been circulated on social media, the Government Information Department issued a statement refuting the reports.
Meanwhile, The Government Medical Officers Association slammed the Government statement which claimed that there is no shortage of medicines (NewsWire)
