Medicine Shortage Attributed to Delays in Past Orders – Health Ministry

COLOMBO (News 1st): The Ministry of Health has informed the Parliamentary Sectoral Oversight Committee on Health, Mass Media, and Women Empowerment that the current shortage of medicines has arisen due to delays in placing orders in previous years.

The committee, chaired by MP Dr. Nihal Abeysinghe, convened recently in Parliament to discuss ongoing issues in the health sector.

Health Ministry officials assured the committee that since the procurement process for 2026 has already commenced, there will be no shortages in that year.

They further stated that by the end of this year, between 80% and 90% of essential medicines will be available within the country. 

The officials confirmed that at present, there is no shortage of medicinal drugs.