Kathmandu, May 1
Sri Lanka, which is suffering from a severe economic crisis, has raised the price of routinely used medications dramatically. This is the second time in six weeks that the price has risen.
Antibiotics, some painkillers, and heart medicines have all seen a 40% increase in price. In Sri Lanka, there is a severe scarcity of medications. It is necessary to rely on other nations for supply.
Imports of several critical products, such as food and medication, have been prohibited by the government. ”This is not a voluntary government decision,” stated Sri Lanka’s communications minister, Nalaka Godahewa.
He said that because the currency is depreciating and most medicines are purchased from the private sector, the government has no choice. If prices are not raised, he believes there would be a severe scarcity. Health care providers are concerned that a lack of medicines has led them to purchase less medication than was recommended.
”It’s a bad situation.” Antibiotics are sometimes recommended for five days. ”However, my clients now just want antibiotics for two or three days,” said Ruchira Hewawasam, a pharmacist in Colombo.
Even individuals who are ready and able to pay a high price are afraid that some medicines may be in short supply. For the last year, Velupillai Vigneshwaran, of Madhya Ratnapura district, has been hunting for a medication tablet for his sister, who has been suffering from a major neurological disease.
”We’ve looked at a lot of pharmacies, but there aren’t any medicines available.”
We’ve been told not to take any additional medications by our doctors. ”Through our friends, we’re delivering medication from India,” he explained.
