Medicine shortage has resulted in 'medicine mafia': Medical officers

by Amani Nilar 18-09-2022 | 9:10 PM

COLOMBO (News 1st) - The All Ceylon Medical Officers' Association made a revelation on Sunday (18) about a mafia that has resulted from the medicine shortage.

Dr. Jayantha Bandara, the General Secretary of the All Ceylon Medical Officers Association alleged that the entire health service has gradually collapsed and has now reached a very severe condition.

He further stated that the situation remains critical, as there is a shortage of medicine in the local market as well. However, Dr. Bandara added that the situation becomes even more dire when consideration the rural hospitals, district hospitals and surgeries.

"Some hospitals do not have any medicine for in-house patients. The same goes for antibiotics, surgical instruments, and anesthetics used in operating rooms. There is a severe shortage of these. Therefore, the entire health service has gradually collapsed and has now reached a very critical level," Dr. Bandara said.

He further pointed out that despite the aforementioned issues, the Government doesn't seem to care about them at all, and as a result, a medicine mafia has arisen.

Dr. Bandara said that medicines which can be purchased for Rs. 475 by the State Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Corporation to sold for Rs. 495 are now being sold at about Rs. 2750, which is about five or six times more.

He said based on the wishes of the pharmaceutical companies, the government and Health Ministry have permitted these expensive medicines.

"If we avoid the drug mafia and disallow the importation of expensive drugs, you can save a substantial amount of money," he added.