February 12, Colombo (LNW): Deputy Minister of Health Dr Hansaka Wijemuni has proposed the introduction of mandatory monthly drug review sessions across all state hospitals in a bid to prevent recurring shortages of essential medicines.
Speaking during an निरीinspection tour of the Matara District General Hospital, Dr Wijemuni said a more structured monitoring mechanism was urgently needed to ensure patients are not affected by supply disruptions. He observed that periodic assessments would enable hospital administrators to detect looming shortages well in advance and take corrective measures without delay.
According to the Deputy Minister, the proposed monthly meetings would bring together hospital directors, pharmacists and procurement officers to examine current stock levels, forecast demand and address bottlenecks in distribution. Where necessary, he suggested that regional procurement mechanisms could be activated swiftly to fill urgent gaps.
Dr Wijemuni stressed that maintaining a stable reserve of critical medicines — particularly those used in emergency care and chronic disease management — must be treated as a national priority. He noted that inconsistent supplies not only undermine patient confidence but also place additional strain on already stretched medical staff.
He further explained that the Ministry of Health is in the process of refining the operations of the Medical Supplies Division, with a focus on improving forecasting systems, enhancing coordination between central and regional stores, and reducing delays in delivery.
Hospital officials in Matara reportedly welcomed the initiative, stating that a regular review framework would improve accountability and transparency in the handling of pharmaceutical stocks. The Deputy Minister indicated that similar inspection visits would continue across other districts as part of a broader drive to strengthen the country’s public healthcare system.
