- Govt. denies insulin shortage
- Claims collaborating regionally to maintain 4-6-months buffer stock of all essential medicines
Health sector trade unions have claimed that the country is currently facing a shortage of over 200 types of pharmaceutical drugs including Mixtard (Insulin), a life-saving medication for diabetic patients.
Speaking to The Daily Morning, President of the Medical and Civil Rights Professional Association of Doctors, Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa alleged that the drug shortage has more than doubled since the end of former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella’s tenure, when around 80 types of drugs were out of stock. “Now, there is a shortage of over 200 types of drugs. They include essential antibiotics, treatments for respiratory diseases, children’s medicine, and other protective and life-saving drugs,” Dr. Sanjeewa pointed out.
He charged that the mismanagement within certain institutions such as the State Pharmaceuticals Corporation and the National Medicines Regulatory Authority, as well as decisions made by officials appointed to the Ministry of Health by previous governments are key reasons for the crisis. He called on President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to personally intervene before the situation deteriorates further. “This is not a matter of numbers. Patients who visit hospitals will be the ones suffering. President Dissanayake should personally intervene in this issue."
Meanwhile, the President of the Academy of Health Professionals, Ravi Kumudesh claimed that there was a shortage of Mixtard, and warned that the current supply could only meet the demand for less than a month. According to him, Sri Lanka needs around 183,000 units of this insulin variety every month. At present, he said that 111,000 units of Mixtard are available in the Medical Supplies Division (MSD) with 119,000 units across hospitals and other healthcare institutions. “This is an essential drug for diabetes patients who rely on long-acting insulin to maintain blood sugar levels. Without it, they are at risk of serious complications."
He urged the Government to take immediate action, outlining four key demands: A special plan to urgently procure insulin, prioritised distribution to hospitals, proper patient guidance on alternative treatments, and a clear, official statement to the public on the current situation.
Attempts to contact the Deputy Minister of Health, Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni proved futile.
However, the Government confirmed that there is currently no shortage of insulin, claiming that stocks required for the next four and a half months have already been distributed by the middle of this month (April). Speaking at the weekly Cabinet media briefing yesterday (22), Cabinet Spokesperson Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said that there will be no shortage of insulin until September.
He further noted that the Health Ministry is now working with neighbouring countries to maintain a buffer stock of all essential medicines required for four to six months, in order to avoid sudden shortages. He said that there are no islandwide medicine shortages, although certain isolated incidents have been reported.
"Sometimes, the medicine may not be available at the MSD stores. However, it will be available at regional levels and in hospitals. So, there will not be a complete shortage of any medicine. Certain issues with suppliers and manufacturing companies have contributed to this," he said.