A severe shortage of essential cancer medications at Apeksha Hospital has left patients grappling with uncertainty, as life-saving treatments run dry and prices in the private sector soar.
Patients undergoing chemotherapy at the Apeksha Hospital say several critical drugs have been out of stock for weeks, forcing them to purchase medicines from private pharmacies at unaffordable prices when available.
One such drug, an injection used to stimulate white blood cell production during chemotherapy, reportedly costs around Rs. 16,000 per dose in the private market. But even there, supplies are said to be scarce.
“We’re not just fighting cancer anymore. We’re fighting to access the treatment itself,” a patient told the media, appealing to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa to intervene immediately.
Speaking to Lankadeepa, Hospital Director Dr. Aruna Jayasekara confirmed the shortage and said the Health Ministry had been notified.
“We need several medicines. We’ve informed the authorities and are hopeful of a quick resolution,” he said.
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