Worries arise over shortage of vital Meropenem Injections for treating bacterial infections

By Rathindra Kuruwita

Concerns have emerged regarding the availability of Meropenem injections, a crucial treatment for bacterial infections, as Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa, co-convener of the National Movement of Health Professionals (NMHP), revealed that only about 1.8 vials of this essential medication are expected to be in the health ministry’s stores by next week. This revelation comes despite recent efforts to procure Meropenem injections on an emergency basis.

Dr. Sanjeewa said that on average, the monthly consumption of Meropenem injections hovers around 50,000 to 60,000 vials, indicating that there should be an ample supply to meet demand. In fact, based on current usage rates, the available stockpile could theoretically last for nearly three years.

“So, the question arises: why is the State Pharmaceutical Corporation (SPC) actively seeking additional supplies of Meropenem injections?” Dr. Sanjeewa queried during a media briefing held on Thursday (28).

The situation has raised eyebrows within the medical community, with healthcare professionals and organizations expressing their concerns. Ravi Kumudesh, President of the College of Medical Laboratory Science (CMLS), asserted that the primary issue at the health ministry revolves around the ineffective utilization of resources.

“The quality of management at the health ministry has deteriorated significantly, and the current situation appears to be worse than ever. There was notably less corruption in the management of resources before the economic crisis,” Kumudesh said.