CMLS President warns of impending drug shortage

By Rathindra Kuruwita

There might be a shortage of about 80 essential drugs as health officials were finding it difficult to purchase them due to the current foreign exchange shortage, College of Medical Laboratory Science (CMLS) President, Ravi Kumudesh told The Island yesterday.

Kumudesh said letters of credit had not been opened for medicine supplies for 2022. Although the country was in a crisis, the health officials were unconcerned, Kumudesh alleged.

“Usually. the preparation of estimates is done in January and usually the final estimates are done by August. Letters of credit have to be opened fast, for it takes a few months for the shipments to arrive here. By this time, usually, we would have started the process of storing the shipments of medicines we had received,” he said.

However, the letters of credit to purchase medicines have not yet been opened. Thus, the medicine purchasing process has been delayed by four months, he said.

“We are managing so far because a number of medicines were used less in 2021 due to the pandemic. However, if the government does not take necessary steps we will face a crisis within a month or so. When I look at the data and plans presented by health officials, I am surprised by their lack of concern. Maybe, there is a hesitancy on their part to present accurate statistics,” Kumudesh said.

Kumudesh said that at least USD 40 million was needed to procure the required medicinal drugs, but the government had allocated only USD 4 million. “The Finance Ministry said that they could provide necessary funds to buy medicines through the issuance of Sri Lanka Development Bonds.

“Given our reputation globally, I don’t think we should have high hopes. The government must provide adequate funds, immediately if the impending crisis is to be averted,” he said.