Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has raised serious concerns over a severe shortage of over 180 essential medicines in Sri Lanka, including life-saving drugs for cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney conditions, and diabetes.
In a special statement today, Premadasa called on the government to urgently intervene, stating that the public health system is facing a grave collapse due to the lack of critical medical supplies and surgical equipment.
He said even state hospitals, which are supposed to offer free healthcare, are unable to provide medicines, forcing patients to purchase them from private institutions at unaffordable prices—turning free healthcare into a commodity.
Premadasa warned that this shortage is directly endangering lives and accused the government of remaining silent and inactive while violating the people’s basic human right to health.
He further stated that instead of merely blaming the tender process, swift and practical solutions must be implemented immediately. Emphasizing that safeguarding human life is a core duty of the government, he urged all responsible officials to act without delay. (Newswire)