Several major hospitals across Sri Lanka, including the National Hospital of Colombo, are reportedly facing shortages of essential surgical supplies such as crepe bandages, forcing patients and their families to purchase necessary medical items from external pharmacies.
Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa, President of the Government Medical Officers’ Forum, said patients are experiencing difficulties due to the shortage of bandages used for wound dressing, post-operative care and orthopedic treatment.
He attributed the shortage mainly to delays in the procurement process of the Medical Supplies Division of the Ministry of Health. He also stated that arrangements allowing hospital directors to purchase essential items locally from approved pharmacies were not being effectively implemented at certain hospitals.
According to Dr. Sanjeewa, the shortage has placed considerable pressure on patients and their families. Patients without relatives or others to purchase supplies for them are particularly vulnerable.
He questioned how patients receiving treatment in government hospitals could be expected to obtain basic surgical materials from outside pharmacies.
Dr. Sanjeewa also warned that the health sector procurement process for 2027 has stalled. He cautioned that if the delay continues, shortages of medicines and medical equipment similar to those experienced in previous years could re-emerge.
The Government Medical Officers’ Forum President called on the Health Minister to intervene immediately and address weaknesses in the procurement and distribution of essential medical supplies.
He added that the crisis affecting Sri Lanka’s health sector since 2022 had not yet been fully resolved, raising concerns about the system’s preparedness to prevent further disruptions in the supply of essential medical items.
