The main reason for the shortage of pharmaceutical drugs and medical equipment in the country is not the non-allocation of sufficient funds, but the authorities' attempts to commit various frauds without properly managing the financial allocations, claimed the United Republic Front (URF) led by Opposition Parliamentarian Patali Champika Ranawaka.

Speaking to the media yesterday (25), URF Chairman Dr. Ajith Amarasinghe claimed that the problematic situation in the health sector is turning into a national issue, but that the relevant authorities do not show any interest in resolving the same. 

“The health sector has three main issues at present. There is a serious shortage of drugs and medical equipment as well as a serious problem about the quality of available supplies. In addition, health professionals are leaving the country in large numbers.” 

While the health sector is suffering from several issues, he said that Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella is denying this situation, instead of working to provide them with solutions. “It is the public who seek treatment from hospitals who know the seriousness of this issue. If a situation of this sort emerged in another country, their Health Minister would definitely have stepped down, but Rambukwella keeps arguing that he can face the challenges, and places the people's lives at risk.”

Speaking further, Dr. Amarasinghe said that the relevant authorities have been claiming that the non-provision of sufficient financial allocations is the main cause of the drug shortage, adding however, that such statements are misleading. 

“In fact, the financial allocations that have been made for the health sector have doubled by now. The real issue is that they (authorities) are creating a drug shortage by not placing orders on time, and then making emergency purchases to earn commissions.”

The country's health sector is currently seeing a crisis situation due to several issues such as the drug shortage, the migration of health professionals including medical specialists, and the alleged importation of substandard drugs. It is against this backdrop that the main Parliamentary Opposition, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya has moved a no-confidence motion against Rambukwella.