(UTV | COLOMBO) – The Minister of Health Channa Jayasumana said in Parliament that the country has taken steps to procure drugs utilizing funds obtained from international agencies.
However, given the time frame for delivery, there could be shortage of drugs for 80 days. He added that NO deaths have been reported as of now, due to the shortage of drugs.
Doctors of multiple medical associations in Sri Lanka have signaled warnings that the country was headed towards a serious situation to a point where a number of people could die as the country’s healthcare system was ok the verge of collapse as it faced shortages of essential medicines and medical equipment.
Crucial medicines used to treat heart attacks and tubes to help newborn babies breathe are in short supply as the Sri Lanka College of Paediatricians appealed to the public for donations.
Several hospitals have suspended routine surgeries and will only be performing critical surgeries. Several pathology labs have reduced the number of tests carried out due to a shortage of reagents.