Shortage of 160 essential medicines

By Rathindra Kuruwita

Hospitals were experiencing a shortage of 160 essential medicines, Deputy Director General – Medical Supplies, Dr. D. R. K. Herath , told the media in Colombo, yesterday. There were 383 drugs in the essential category, he said. “We use 383 essential medicines and there is a shortage of 160. We hope wellwishers will help us,” he said.

One of the essential drugs in short supply is Glyceryl trinitrate or GTN, used to treat heart ailments. “We also need Streptokinase, a drug used to break down clots in some cases of myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolism and arterial thromboembolism. We also need the Atropine vaccine used for resuscitation of those who suffer cardiac arrest. We really need to get a new stock, within two weeks,” he said.

Dr. Herath added that the World Bank had given 23 million US dollars for the procurement of medicines.”This is a very flexible grant and we have already placed orders,” he said.The Ministry of Health was having talks with the Asian Development Bank to have USD 66.6 million released, he said.