The Association of Government Medical Officers revealed that the stock of 91 types of essential medicines in the Central Drug Store had reached zero by the end of last week.
This report shows us that some anesthetic drugs, anti-cancer drugs, drugs for respiratory system-related diseases, heart disease drugs, pain killer drugs, all of these have been left unaccountable by the authorities until the stock level is zero.
As of now, there is a shortage of many medicines in the Maharagama Apeksha Hospital. Some medicines have become obsolete. Patients have to spend probably 10,000-15,000 rupees to buy these medicines at one time.
We should have three months of stock in the central drug store. The drug stores at the district level should generally have two months of stock. Major hospitals should have at least one month’s stock. There is no optimal stock anywhere. In the end, the patients have to buy these medicines from the private sector at a very unfair price.”
Dr. Haritha Aluthge said this while addressing a press conference held yesterday (25).
