Health Minister blames opposition for fuelling fear over medicine shortages

Health Minister blames opposition for fuelling fear over medicine shortages

Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa acknowledged potential fluctuations in the supply of certain medicines but accused the opposition of exaggerating the issue.

He made the remarks during the weekly Cabinet media briefing in response to questions about a possible shortage of essential medicines.

“We’re working to reduce this over the next few months. But the numbers quoted by the Opposition Leader in front of the media do not reflect the actual stock levels in hospitals,” Jayatissa said.

He added that even in the event that suppliers do not bid for tenders and instead release medicines to the market, the government has allocated Rs. 35 billion for procurement.

Commenting on allegations by the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA), Jayatissa said medicine procurement cannot be compared to purchasing consumer goods such as salt or rice.

“There is no manufacturer producing medicines solely for Sri Lanka. A significant portion of our supplies are made to order. Production takes about three to four months, and the entire process can take up to nine months,” he explained.
He attributed the current challenges to the failure of the previous administration to place tenders in a timely manner.

“Within the first five months, we have closed 268 tenders. Some of those drugs are now being manufactured, and others are expected to arrive by November. There are also pending orders placed in 2022 and 2023,” the Minister said, noting that the government is working to resolve ongoing procurement and supply issues.

Jayatissa further accused Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa of attempting to stir unrest among the public and within the healthcare system.

“Sajith Premadasa knows this—he was once a Deputy Health Minister. Claiming there is a shortage without offering a solution only benefits companies aiming to hike medicine prices,” he said. (Newswire)