The Health Ministry is preparing to present a cabinet paper highlighting a looming shortage of 313 types of essential medicines within the next three months, according to the Health Professionals’ Association. The situation, they warn, could significantly impact Sri Lanka’s already strained healthcare system.
Speaking at a press conference in Colombo on April 30, Association President Ravi Kumudesh raised serious concerns about proposed changes to the country’s pharmaceutical procurement process. He claimed that these changes closely resemble the controversial procurement methods previously adopted under former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella methods that drew sharp criticism and sparked investigations into procurement-related fraud.
Kumudesh accused current Health Minister Dr. Ramesh Pathirana (erroneously referred to as Nalinda Jayatissa in some reports) of deliberately withholding the full truth from the public regarding the scope of the crisis. “If he was acting in good faith, he would not hide critical information,” Kumudesh said.
He further argued that the proposed amendments to procurement guidelines could potentially weaken legal and regulatory safeguards. “If these new guidelines were in place during Keheliya’s tenure, even criminal investigations into drug fraud could have been avoided,” he added.
313 Essential Drugs at Risk
According to the association, the State Pharmaceuticals Corporation (SPC) has acknowledged that it is only able to secure consistent supply chains for 202 out of the 313 medicines identified as being at risk of shortage. That leaves 111 types of medicines without a viable supply plan, a situation that could have dire consequences for hospitals and patients, especially those requiring long-term treatment.
Kumudesh noted that the shortages are expected to intensify if urgent corrective measures are not taken. He stressed that Sri Lanka’s health services are already fragile, and any disruption in drug availability could trigger widespread consequences for patient care.
Calls for Transparency and Public Debate
The Health Professionals’ Association is calling on the Ministry of Health and the government to act swiftly, not only to resolve the potential shortages but also to ensure transparency and accountability in the procurement process.
Kumudesh emphasized the importance of a public discussion on the proposed amendments to procurement laws. He warned that rushing through changes without adequate scrutiny could undermine safeguards against corruption and reduce oversight in how state resources are used to procure lifesaving medications.
A System Under Pressure
Drug shortages have become a recurring issue in Sri Lanka in recent years, fueled by the ongoing economic crisis, foreign exchange limitations, and irregularities in procurement processes. Health professionals have repeatedly urged the government to develop a national drug policy that would standardize procurement and distribution procedures and shield them from political interference.
In many parts of the country, hospitals and pharmacies are already reporting shortages of essential drugs, placing patients — particularly those with chronic conditions, in a precarious position. The Health Professionals’ Association warns that the situation is likely to deteriorate unless concrete action is taken soon.
As of now, the Ministry of Health has not issued an official response to the association’s allegations. However, the issue is expected to be addressed at the upcoming cabinet meeting scheduled for next week.
For now, Sri Lanka watches closely, hoping for answers and a clear plan to prevent a full-scale public health crisis.
