The Government Medical Officers’ Association has once again warned that hospitals are running out of stocks of a number of essential and life-saving drugs.
Speaking to media, Member of the GMOA Dr. Prasad Colombage said at present, some state hospitals have only a limited number of medicinal drugs and others are fast running out their stocks.
Dr. Prasad Colombage said several individuals and organisations have raised the issue in media on a number of occasions.
He said despite concerns from professionals, the Subject Minister had claimed that he is in possession of all drugs required by state hospitals.
Dr. Colombage said if the statement made by the Health Minister is in fact is true, then they believe there is a logistical issue at present.
He said it is the responsibility of the Health Minister to ensure that necessary medicine stocks are provided to respective hospitals across the country.
Dr. Prasad Colombage said without medicine, hospital staff are facing several issues.
He said he has been notified that the National Eye Hospital has only one antibiotic drug and staff are not in a position to provide any other alternative.
Dr. Prasad Colombage said they have a list of drugs that are in short supply or fast running out of stocks.
He said therefore the relevant authorities must take appropriate steps to address it.
Dr. Colombage added that both doctors and patients are also facing issues due to the spike in prices of medicinal drugs in the country.
On a separate note, Secretary of GMOA Dr. Haritha Aluthge said they are hopeful that authorities will unveil the programme introduced to provide fuel for health workers at specific filling stations, by tomorrow or Thursday.
Dr. Aluthge said the Minister of Power and Energy had announced that health workers will be able to obtain fuel from specific filling stations on Fridays.
He said since security personnel are able to obtain fuel from specific fuel distribution centre, health workers who are categorised as essential service workers should be given the same concession.
Dr. Haritha Aluthge said the measure will prevent health workers from remaining in queues for a long period of time and unnecessary confrontation with the general public.
