The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) has raised alarm over the ongoing shortage of essential medicines and medical equipment, warning that it is severely affecting patient care across the country.
In a statement issued today (July 14), GMOA Secretary Dr. Prabath Sugathadasa said that doctors are committed to providing uninterrupted and high-quality healthcare, but their efforts are hindered by insufficient supplies and legal ambiguity around alternative sourcing of drugs and equipment.
The GMOA noted that despite repeated appeals to successive governments and the Health Ministry, the crisis continues due to inefficiencies and lack of priority. Doctors often resort to alternative procurement methods to maintain care, but investigations and negative media portrayals have discouraged such actions.
“The legal framework currently provides inadequate protection to doctors trying to act in patients’ best interest,” the statement said, warning that surgical procedures and critical services are at risk of disruption.
To address the issue, the GMOA has appointed a three-member expert committee to compile recommendations, with a final policy proposal expected to be presented at the end of July. A stakeholder meeting will be held on July 21 at the GMOA office.
The GMOA emphasized that ensuring uninterrupted supply of quality medicines is a core responsibility of any government and urged the Health Ministry to urgently provide legal and procedural clarity to safeguard both doctors and patients. (Newswire)
