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Message: <blockquote data-quote="monson" data-source="post: 30238835" data-attributes="member: 30005">හිඟය පෙන්නලා <s>tender නැතුව</s> කෙලින්ම hospitals වලට බේත් ගන්න කියලා <img src="/styles/default/xenforo/smilies/default/lol.gif"  class="smilie" loading="lazy" alt=":lol:" title="LOL    :lol:" data-shortname=":lol:" />  <ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Health Minister’s proposal to secure local pharmaceuticals rejected</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Govt. allows hospitals to procure medicines directly</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">GMOA calls for urgent solutions</li> </ul>Sri Lanka is currently facing a shortage of around 80 types of medicines, as confirmed by the Medical Supplies Division (MSD). Earlier this month, the Ministry of Health highlighted the significant deficit in essential medications. To mitigate the impact on healthcare services, permission has been granted for hospitals to procure these medicines directly, ensuring continuity of essential services, as learnt by The Sunday Morning.However, it is also learnt that a memorandum presented to the Cabinet by Prime Minister and Health Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, which sought to secure pharmaceuticals from local manufacturers for the year 2025, has been rejected. This decision raises concerns about the ongoing challenges in the healthcare sector and the need for effective measures to address the supply issues.When contacted by The Sunday Morning to inquire into the reasons for the rejection of the memorandum, Medical Supplies Division (MSD) Deputy Director General (Medical Supplies) Dr. G. Wijesuriya said that the Cabinet secretary had been awaiting clarification at the time, due to which it had not been forwarded. “We have sent one Cabinet paper to purchase some items from local manufacturers. Even though we submitted it, the Cabinet secretary has not forwarded it because he needed some clarification,” he stated.However, Dr. Wijesuriya emphasised that it would be approved tomorrow (14).However, he added: “If the Cabinet paper is not approved, we will be unable to purchase local items; that will be the main issue.”Despite the prevailing shortage, he assured that they could maintain patient care without any issues.Government Medical Officers' Association (GMOA) Dr. Chamil Wijesinghe, speaking to The Sunday Morning emphasised the importance of addressing this issue: “These matters should be addressed immediately. If the Cabinet paper is rejected, the ministry and other parties must identify the issues and find short-, mid-, and long-term solutions.”Commenting on the current situation of pharmaceutical shortages, he stated, “Around two-and-a-half years ago, we faced a time when we didn’t have more than 300 essential medicines in the system. “Considering the current situation, things have improved significantly. By last week, the shortage was only around 80 drugs. We have always had some medicines in short supply. However, with the available medicines, we are managing patient care services without any interruption.” He disclosed that emergency procurement had almost stopped and that they were proceeding with the normal procurement system. “Due to that, there may be certain lapses, especially since we have had a very challenging time in the health sector.” He also emphasised the need to improve the current mechanism and sustain that improvement.Commenting on the rejection of the Cabinet paper, he said: “If it proceeds quickly, it will not create much effect. However, if it gets delayed for months, we won’t be able to complete the normal procurement process, which usually takes several months. Then, it will create an acute shortage, resulting in a vacuum for emergency purchases.”Attempts by The Sunday Morning to contact Health Ministry Secretary Dr. Palitha Mahipala proved futile. - <a href="https://www.themorning.lk/articles/cFDhuwj1tSZYc49iqQJY" target="_blank">https://www.themorning.lk/articles/cFDhuwj1tSZYc49iqQJY</a></blockquote>

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