Sri Lanka is currently facing a notable shortage of drugs, with the country experiencing a significant reduction in stock availability. The number of medications that have run out has decreased from 2,000 last year to approximately 750 this year, representing a 62.5% reduction. While the situation has not reached the extreme levels seen during the height of the economic crisis, the shortage is still a major concern, particularly as hospitals and medical professionals work to maintain supplies.
The primary cause of the drug shortage is the slow and inefficient procurement process, which has become a major bottleneck in ensuring timely delivery of essential medications. Sources within the healthcare sector have indicated that the new officials appointed to procurement committees have shown a reluctance to take practical, decisive action, instead relying on lengthy and bureaucratic processes. These delays have exacerbated the situation, leaving hospitals struggling to maintain stock levels.
According to medical officers, the situation in hospitals across the country is still manageable, with current drug stock levels remaining between 70% and 80%. However, there have been instances of shortages at the regional level. Although these have been addressed without causing serious disruptions to patient care, concerns persist that unless prompt action is taken, the shortage will continue to worsen. If not resolved, the number of out-of-stock medications could potentially exceed 100, which could have far-reaching consequences for the healthcare system.
Dr. Chamil Wijesinghe, spokesperson for the Government Medical Officers Association (GMOA), noted that although the shortages are being managed at the moment, they are still a pressing issue. He explained that the lack of coordination between key institutions involved in the procurement process, along with ongoing delays, is contributing to the problem. He further emphasized that if the procurement system can be improved and streamlined, the situation could improve significantly. He also noted that current shortages have not yet had a major impact on patient care, although this could change if the delays continue.
One of the key issues identified by medical professionals is the need for the digitalization of the drug distribution network. Doctors have urged Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa to expedite this process, believing it will help streamline the distribution of medicines across the country. In addition to the digitalization issue, the National Drug Regulatory Authority has come under fire for its lack of capacity, which has made it difficult to meet the rising demands of the healthcare sector.
The shortage of insulin has been one of the most notable supply issues. The State Pharmaceuticals Corporation (SPC) has admitted that there has been a delay in securing enough insulin supplies for the country. According to SPC General Manager Dinusha Dassanayake, while 500,000 vials of insulin were initially ordered, only 5,000 vials were delivered, with the supplier distributing them in small quantities. This delay has caused significant issues for those dependent on insulin for diabetes management. Dassanayake further explained that the shortage is not limited to insulin but also affects several other types of medicines due to the global shortage of active pharmaceutical ingredients, which has further strained supply chains.
Dr. Anil Jasinghe, Secretary to the Ministry of Health, has acknowledged the inefficiencies in the current procurement process. He highlighted that five main institutions—the Medical Supplies Division, the National Drug Regulatory Authority, the State Drug Corporation, the State Drug Manufacturing Corporation, and the Health Ministry—need to work in greater coordination to address these issues. Dr. Jasinghe assured the public that a comprehensive study of the procurement process is scheduled to take place this week, with plans to implement improvements within the next two to three weeks. By enhancing coordination and improving the efficiency of the procurement process, authorities hope to stabilize drug supplies and avoid further shortages.
While the situation remains under control for now, there are concerns that the delays in procurement, coupled with the increasing global shortage of raw materials, may lead to further challenges in the coming months. The government and health officials are under pressure to address these issues and restore efficiency to the drug distribution network to ensure that essential medicines remain available to the public.
