Sri Lanka Economic Crisis: Hospitals Run Out Of Medicines, Essential Supplies. Doctors Fear The Worst

As the economic crisis in Sri Lanka deepens, doctors across the country say hospitals are running out of medicines and essential supplies. They warn of a health catastrophe if international help doesn't arrive soon, as per BBC.

"Day by day things are running out. If we get to the point where it's zero, then I don't know what will happen," says Dr Gnanasekaram anxiously.

At his office in Sri Lanka's largest children's hospital, Lady Ridgeway, medical director Dr Wijesuriya showed a piece of paper with a list of essential drugs on it, which indicated many medicines were out of stock or nearing it.

missio.org.uk

Also Read: How Sri Lanka's Economic Crisis Has Led To Used Cars Costing More Than A Luxury Flat

Managing Shortages With Substitutions

For now Dr Wijesuriya says he's managing these shortages with substitutions. He remains optimistic that the government will find a way to get him what is needed for his patients.

As secretary of Sri Lanka's Association of Medical Specialists, surgeon Dr Gnanasekaram has been busy compiling lists of which medicines are running low at hospitals in the capital Colombo.

"We are short of medical drugs, anaesthetic drugs, implants, suture materials. We are nearly exhausting the stock.

"Healthcare services are going to collapse unless there's immediate relief," he says.

If supplies aren't replenished soon, the doctor warns of dire consequences. "If that happens there may be a situation where we won't be able to save patients' lives."

Medical staff have reportedly told the BBC that the crunch in supplies has forced them to suspend non-essential operations and reuse or ration some equipment.

May Have To Soon Stop Treating Cancer Patients

Dr Nishan (name changed) works at a cancer hospital in the Eastern province. He warns "There may be a time when we have to even stop treating cancer patients."

"During the (civil)war we had limitations, but we could still get things from the ministry in Colombo," he said.

"But now even the health ministry doesn't have supplies. During wartime, we were not so frustrated and desperate as we are now."

The largest doctor's union in Sri Lanka, the Government Medical Officers' Association (GMOA), has blamed the crisis on poor financial and economic management and is calling on people from overseas to donate supplies.

It has published an extensive list of items that are desperately needed, which includes antibiotics, paracetamol, blood pressure medicine and anti-depressants.

Dr Gnanaksekaran pleaded to the world for help, saying "We need supplies to come in whatever form, whether it's another country's government or an individual donation.

"As professionals we are apolitical, but we are concerned about our patients. We just want to be able to treat them - we don't want them to die," they told the BBC.

Also Read: From Milk, Chicken To Fuel: Basic Necessities Out Of Reach For Sri Lankans

For the latest financial and economic content, keep reading Indiatimes Worth. Click here.