• 359,434 units in national stock; 249,580 held by MSD

Despite allegations of an insulin shortage, recent data from the ‘Swastha’ information management system reveals a stable and adequate supply of insulin in Sri Lanka.

According to the latest figures from the ‘Swastha’ information management system, the national stock of insulin includes 359,434 units of biphasic isophane insulin injection (30% soluble/70% isophane), with approximately 249,580 units held in the Medical Supplies Division (MSD) stock. 

In addition, 4,633 units of isophane insulin injection (NPH insulin) are in stock at the MSD, with a further 9,926 units available at other institutions.

Soluble insulin injection is also available at other institutions, with 4,837 units of 1,000 IU in 10 ml cartridges and 1,200 units of 300 IU in 3 ml cartridges, alongside 3,600 units of long-acting recombinant human insulin analogue cartridges. 

Furthermore, the MSD has a stock of 130,000 units of single-use disposable insulin pen needles.

Health and Mass Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa has dismissed claims of an insulin shortage, stating that the MSD is ensuring a steady supply of insulin to State hospitals for the next three months.

In a recent post on X, Dr. Jayatissa stressed that mixtard insulin was being distributed across the country’s hospitals and urged the public to disregard reports suggesting a lack of availability.

“The MSD is currently distributing mixtard insulin to all Government hospitals, ensuring uninterrupted supply for the next three months. Please disregard any false or misleading information circulating about its availability,” he stated.

However, health professionals remain concerned about the sustainability of the insulin supply.

Association of Health Professionals President Ravi Kumudesh voiced strong criticism, highlighting that the situation had not been treated with the seriousness it warranted. 

He pointed out that while the Government had assured continued distribution, patients continued to face difficulties in obtaining essential medications like insulin.

“The lack of insulin in stock is severely impacting patients with diabetes mellitus. Those with milder forms of the disease are particularly at risk, as the absence of regular medication may result in the gradual worsening of their condition, potentially leading to severe complications such as amputation,” Kumudesh warned.

“In the National Hospital of Sri Lanka in Colombo, there was a shortage of insulin which led to certain limitations implemented in issuing insulin. We have to give priority for the in-ward patients and limit the issuing of insulin for clinic patients,” Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) Media Spokesman Dr. Chamil Wijesinghe told The Sunday Morning. 

While initiatives were being carried out to solve the shortage, he emphasised that they were all “short-term” actions that would not resolve the issue in the long run.

Dr. Wijesinghe further attributed the lack of stock to problems regarding the distribution and management of medicine stocks. “We have had quick actions but not sustainable ones. The current Minister and Deputy Minister are exerting a huge effort to implement certain methods, but just bringing out those solutions and new methods will not sort out the issue. We have to stick to the basics,” he added.