GMPA accuses Health Ministry of not taking inventory of medicine stocks to prepare for the coming shortage

By Rathindra Kuruwita

The Health Ministry had not conducted an audit to determine what drugs were out of stock or in what quantities, Dr. Sankalpa Marasinghe, Assistant Secretary, Government Medical Professionals’ Association (GMPA) said yesterday.

Dr. Marasinghe said that while he had not faced any shortages yet at De Soysa Maternity Hospital, but there were clear signs that there would be a shortage.

“Doctors are scared and worried because the consequences of a shortage is unthinkable. It takes at least three months to order and get medicines,” he said.

According to the GMPA office bearer the government must monitor the stocks of medicine it possesses and tell what drugs are in short supply and on what quantities they are needed.

“This is the responsibility of the Medical Supplies Division. This has not been done so far. Apparently, the government has prepared a list and given it to the US Embassy,” he said.

A large number of wellwishers are willing to send medicines but this should be done in a systematic manner, he said. Dr. Marasinghe said that drugs sent here should be those approved by the NMRA.