Sri Lanka Warns of Looming Medicine Shortage as Economic Pressures Mount

The Sri Lanka Chamber of the Pharmaceutical Industry (SLCPI) has issued an urgent warning about a potential medicine shortage crisis, citing severe pressure on the nation's supply chain. This crisis is driven by significant rupee depreciation, which has drastically increased import costs, alongside rising global prices for raw materials, fuel (up 38%), and transport (up over 40%). Experts highlight that the medicine import mechanism is severely disrupted, leading to shortages of essential drugs for various patient groups, including those with cancer and kidney diseases. In response to these difficulties faced by importers and the economic pressures, the government is reportedly considering revising existing medicine price controls to allow for price adjustments.