The Medical and Civil Rights Professional Association of Doctors (MCPA) claimed that there is currently a severe shortage of Arteriovenous Fistula (AVF) needles used for kidney patients in both the public and private health sectors.
Speaking to The Daily Morning, MCPA President Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa warned that the situation is placing the lives of many patients, including those awaiting kidney transplants, at serious risk.
“The shortages in hospitals are not limited to these needles. For several months, there has been a lack of essential medicines, injections, and medical supplies required for kidney patients. This situation has been aggravated by inefficiencies in the medical supply chain, which have prevented hospitals from placing timely orders with multiple suppliers,” he said.
He claimed that the authorities’ failure to establish an efficient procurement system is forcing patients to suffer daily, adding that shortages extend beyond kidney-related treatments. “Hospitals are also facing difficulties in providing surgical gauze pads, laboratory testing services, and radiology services.
The crisis is becoming increasingly severe for kidney patients in particular, who now have to bear heavy personal costs.”
Therefore, Dr. Sanjeewa urged the ministry of Health to intervene immediately and resolve the issue through proper negotiations and cooperation between state agencies.
Attempts to contact the Health Minister, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa and secretary to the ministry regarding the allegations, proved futile.
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