LNP – Bypass patient compelled to bring drugs worth over Rs. 100,000 from outside

Patients seeking life-saving procedures such as bypass surgeries at the Colombo National Hospital are compelled to bring surgical and pharmaceutical items from outside, costing over Rs. 100,000 due to a severe shortage of critical drugs and surgical supplies, a top hospital source revealed.

The source, speaking on condition of anonymity told Daily Mirror that the ongoing crisis has placed the lives of thousands in jeopardy.

“There’s an acute shortage of antibiotics, heart medications, anaesthetic drugs, special painkillers, and several other essential items required for surgeries at the National Hospital,” the source said.

Adding to the mounting problems, three out of the hospital’s MRI machines are currently non-functional. The situation is further worsened by the absence of a permanent hospital director leading to administrative delays and inefficiencies.

While the crisis has escalated in recent months, insiders noted that the current drug shortage extends beyond state-run hospitals, affecting private pharmacies as well.

The present administration inherited a troubled system but according to sources, the damage caused during the tenure of former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella has directly contributed to the chaos now seen in the country’s health sector.

“The collapse we’re witnessing now is the result of months of mismanagement and neglect. While the current administration is taking steps to rectify it, including placing urgent orders for medicines, the results of these measures will only be visible in the coming months,” the source said.

Speaking on the matter, Thushara Ranadeva, President of the Government Pharmacists’ Association, said there is a severe shortage of cancer medications and other essential drugs at government-run Osusalas.

“We’re facing a very difficult situation. Patients are being sent from one pharmacy to another, unable to find vital medicines” Ranadeva added.

Although the government has stepped up procurement efforts recently, healthcare workers insist the crisis has already endangered countless lives and warn that immediate, decisive action is needed to prevent further tragedies.

Multiple efforts to get a comment from an official from the Health Ministry faile