Sri Lanka has a shortage of 140 essential medicines

COLOMBO (News 1st) - Sri Lanka's Health Ministry said that the country's health care system is facing a severe shortage of over 140 essential medicines, including 43 medicines administered to cancer patients.

The shortage of medicines has crippled the health services, and severely inconvenienced the patients as well.

Health Secretary Janaka Chandragupta speaking to News 1st said that purchase orders were made for the medicines that are in shorts supply, however there are issues in making the payments.

He noted that 43 medicines administered to cancer patients ordered under the Indian Credit Line will reach Sri Lanka in a fortnight.

He said that necessary measures will be taken to import the remaining medicines that are in short supply.