Patients have expressed grave concerns over the severe shortage of medicines in certain government hospitals, forcing them to turn to private pharmacies for essential treatments.
This dire situation has particularly affected low-income patients who cannot afford to purchase medicines from private outlets. Many are left with no choice but to return home with only a prescription after consulting doctors, unable to secure the required medication.
At Kalubowila Hospital, while some outpatient departments reportedly have basic medicines, a significant shortage of drugs, especially for arthritis patients, has been noted.
When questioned about the issue, a doctor at the hospital revealed that supplies for arthritis medications were not being properly received from the medical supply departments. Upon consulting the hospital’s drug officer, it was confirmed that stocks for these critical medicines remain insufficient.
Adding to this, Mr. Chamil Wijesinghe, the Media Secretary of the Government Medical Association, highlighted systemic weaknesses in the distribution and management of medicines. He pointed out that an online system, designed to streamline distribution, had failed due to bureaucratic inefficiencies and lack of commitment from certain health officials.
“The poor management of the supply chain has resulted in significant shortcomings in medicine distribution across hospitals,” he stated.
Attempts to reach officials in the supply department for further clarification were unsuccessful.
The ongoing crisis underscores the urgent need for effective solutions to address these critical gaps in the healthcare system, ensuring patients receive the treatment they desperately need.
