Sri Lanka has witnessed a significant drop in medicine shipments, with arrivals plummeting from 2,000 consignments in 2022 to just 750 this year—a steep 62.5% decline, according to The Sunday Morning, a Colombo-based weekly newspaper.
This alarming reduction is attributed to delays in the procurement process, as officials adhere strictly to established guidelines. Newly appointed procurement committee members are reportedly hesitant to make practical decisions, instead relying on lengthy procedures that can take months.
Despite these challenges, medical officers confirm that the current situation in hospitals remains manageable. Medicine stocks in hospitals have averaged 70-80%, with no major shortages reported apart from isolated incidents that were effectively addressed. However, experts warn that the growing shortages could escalate, potentially pushing the number of out-of-stock medicines above 100.
Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) spokesman Dr. Chamil Wijesinghe noted that while the shortages are concerning, they remain under control and have not yet reached the critical levels seen during Sri Lanka’s severe economic crisis.
“The shortages have not impacted patients so far,” Dr. Wijesinghe stated, emphasizing the need for improved coordination among institutions involved in medicine procurement. He also highlighted the importance of enhancing the digital Swastha system to streamline distribution.
The shortages are exacerbated by global supply chain disruptions affecting Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs). State Pharmaceuticals Corporation (SPC) General Manager Dinusha Dasanayake explained that supply delays have resulted in piecemeal deliveries, such as insulin stocks arriving in small quantities rather than bulk shipments.
Addressing the issue, Ministry of Health Secretary Dr. Anil Jasinghe acknowledged that five key institutions, including the Medical Supplies Division (MSD) and the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA), must improve their coordination. A thorough review of the procurement system is planned, with promises to enhance efficiency within weeks.
