There have been some troubling events in Sri Lanka involving medicines from India. Patients have experienced serious problems, and even some people have passed away, after taking these medicines.

Two patients died after being given Indian-made anaesthetic drugs. This happened at the Peradeniya Teaching Hospital in the Kandy district. Earlier, a pregnant woman also died after receiving an Indian anaesthetic drug at the same hospital. Because of this incident, the Health Ministry stopped using that particular drug.

Medicine Crisis: Sri Lanka’s Concerns

• Transparency International Sri Lanka raised concerns about drugs being supplied by unregistered suppliers. They questioned the role of the national drug regulator in allowing the import of these drugs without proper registration.
• In Nuwara Eliya, doctors reported that 10 patients had problems with their vision after using Indian medicines following eye surgery. The doctors discovered germs in the eye medication, which they believed caused the patients’ condition.
• India has been the main source of medical supplies for Sri Lanka. The country relied on India for almost half of its medicines. This became even more important when Sri Lanka faced a severe economic crisis, and India provided assistance through a credit line.
• The recent death at the hospital has led to questions about the quality of imported drugs and the responsibility of Sri Lanka’s national drug regulator. The government is conducting tests and expects to receive a report soon. Sri Lanka is facing a dual crisis in its healthcare system. A shortage of medicines and concerns about the quality of available drugs. This situation needs urgent attention from the highest levels.
• The use of Indian medicines in Sri Lanka has raised serious concerns about the safety and quality of these drugs. The incidents have caused a national health emergency and have highlighted the weaknesses in Sri Lanka’s healthcare system and regulatory processes.
• It is essential for Sri Lanka to address the issues surrounding the importation and regulation of medicines to ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens. The country must work towards a proper supply of high-quality drugs. Plus improve its healthcare system to meet the needs of its people.