Health Minister Dr. Ramesh Pathirana reported to Parliament on August 8 that Sri Lanka is currently facing a shortage of 52 essential medicines. This issue comes as the Ministry of Health has identified a total of 862 essential medicines, noting that last year the country experienced a shortage of 250 medicines.
Dr. Pathirana explained that while there was a significant shortage last year, the current situation is more controlled with only 52 medicines reported as being in short supply at the national level. He reassured that alternative medicines for these shortages are available domestically, and orders for these substitutes are being fulfilled.
Additionally, Dr. Pathirana highlighted that all critical, life-saving medicines are currently available in hospitals. He expressed optimism that the medicine shortages will be resolved soon as ongoing efforts to address the supply issues continue.
