A recent report from the Medical Supplies Department (MSD) has revealed a concerning shortage of essential medicines across Sri Lanka, with 333 different types of medicines currently unavailable, Samagi Jana Balawegaya MP Rohini Kaviratna said.
According to the ‘Out of Stock Medicines at MSD’ report, dated February 27, 2025, the shortage affects a wide range of vital drugs, further exacerbating the already dire healthcare situation in the country.
Speaking in Parliament, MP Kaviratna questioned how such a severe shortage could occur under a government that claims to be democratic.
“How can this be called a democratic government when there is such a shortage of medicines for the people who need them the most?” Kaviratna said.
The MP also pointed to the government’s allocation of Rs. 20 billion towards servicing the debt of SriLankan Airlines, questioning the prioritization of funds.
She noted that if the government was truly democratic, these financial resources would instead be directed toward ensuring the availability of essential medicines for the citizens.
Kaviratna said that the full range of 333 missing medicines could take up to nine months to procure, with some expected to be unavailable until at least September 2025.
The MP also raised concerns over the government’s failure to develop an effective procurement system for medicines, which she said has contributed to this ongoing crisis.
Kaviratna urged the government to take immediate action to address the critical healthcare needs of the population.
“This shortage will continue until September 2025 unless the government takes responsibility and acts swiftly,” she said, adding that the “people of Sri Lanka deserve better.”
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