May 17, Colombo (LNW): Mounting concerns over shortages of medicines, delays in equipment supplies and administrative inefficiencies at Colombo National Hospital have prompted health authorities to initiate an urgent review aimed at improving services and restoring operational efficiency at the country’s largest state-run medical institution.
The issues were extensively discussed during a high-level management meeting recently held at the hospital’s Epilepsy Treatment Centre auditorium, where senior doctors, nursing staff, administrators and health ministry officials raised concerns over persistent obstacles affecting patient care and hospital operations.
The discussion was chaired by Deputy Health Minister Dr. Hansaka Wijayamuni, who acknowledged that despite increased allocations for pharmaceuticals and emergency procurement in recent years, complaints regarding shortages and delays were continuing to emerge from within the hospital system.
Medical staff attending the meeting highlighted difficulties involving the availability of essential drugs, ageing or limited medical equipment, shortages of support staff and administrative delays that they said were placing additional pressure on healthcare workers and affecting the smooth delivery of treatment services.
Officials reportedly warned that overcrowding and rising patient admissions were further stretching resources at the hospital, which functions as Sri Lanka’s main referral centre for specialised treatment. Some healthcare workers also pointed to delays in procurement procedures and internal coordination issues that have complicated efforts to maintain uninterrupted medical services.
Responding to the concerns, Dr. Hansaka Wijayamuni instructed officials to immediately investigate weaknesses in supply management and procurement systems while implementing corrective measures without delay. He stressed that the National Hospital must continue to function as a model institution within the public healthcare sector and maintain the highest standards of patient care and safety.
The Deputy Minister reportedly warned that operational failures at such a critical healthcare facility could damage public confidence in the wider national health service, particularly at a time when demand for state healthcare continues to rise.
Several concerns raised by hospital employees during the meeting were addressed directly, while more complex issues were referred for further administrative action and follow-up by relevant authorities.
The meeting was also attended by Dr. Najith Indika, Colombo District Health Coordinating Officer and Member of Parliament, along with senior representatives from the Ministry of Health and Mass Media, deputy directors general, specialist consultants and top administrative officials attached to the hospital.