Sri Lanka's economic crisis has triggered a severe medicine shortage, with hospitals and pharmacies nationwide reporting critical gaps in essential drugs. The country, which imports 85% of its pharmaceuticals, faces its worst financial turmoil since 1948, leaving healthcare providers in a dire situation.
Ghany, 63, described the anguish of being unable to secure pertuzumab, a vital breast cancer treatment for his wife. "This is the first time during her cancer treatment that I have not been able to find her medicine," he said, adding that his 55-year-old wife was "very sick" and that he felt "helpless" but vowed to do everything to save her.
Health workers across the nation report widespread shortages of medicines and medical supplies. Viraj Jayasinghe, a paediatrician at Colombo's Lady Ridgeway Hospital, noted that his department, which typically maintains six months of stock, now faces severe shortages. "We are worried about patient safety in the future," he told AFP, highlighting the use of reused nebuliser kits amid the pandemic.
Private hospitals have also reported 70 critical drug shortages, including anaesthetics. Paediatric surgeon Ananda Lamahewage described having to delay non-urgent procedures to prioritize emergencies, while pharmacists struggle to fulfill prescriptions. Shalintha Rodrigo of Union Chemists, a 60-year-old chain, said they could only partially fill prescriptions for cancer drugs and antibiotics, calling the situation "heartbreaking."
Pharmacists like Vijaytunga, who has operated a Colombo pharmacy for 12 years, now face the grim reality of limited stock. "I have to say no to people often now," he said, questioning how many more times he could refuse patients.
