Country heading towards massive antibiotics scarcity: Pharmacy Owners’ Assn.
The country is heading towards a massive shortage of antibiotics that are used to treat from minor to major infections in children and even adults, All-Island Private Pharmacy Owners’ Association (ACPPOA) President Chandika Gankanda said.
“With the colossal depreciation of rupee against the US dollar, it is unable to import them. The major three drug importers have found it difficult opening Letters of Credit (LCs), despite the fact that the LCs have been opened, the majority of the foreign pharmaceutical companies have no assurance with the Sri Lankan rupee due to Fitch Ratings’ downgrading of Sri Lanka’s long-term foreign currency.
It is hard to find antibiotic syrups for children and infants in hospitals or even at pharmacies. Now the antibiotic shortage has affected the elderly too.
As such, Azithromycin syrup, Clarithromycin syrup, Piriton syrup, chlofen syrup, Solmux syrup Solmux forte syrup, Thermoseal R.A. Prazocin tablets, Gaviscon double action syrup, Cardiprin tablets, Novomix penfil insulin, Panadol tablets, Dry syrup for paediatrics, Thyroxine (T4), Amoxicilin, Clobazam, Nicorandil, Prazosin, Paracetamol tablets and syrup, Erithromycin suspension are some of the antibiotics that are in short supply in the country.
Meanwhile, the Pharmacy Owners’ Association today requested a discussion with the newly-appointed Health Minister regarding the issue and the distribution of drugs. (Chatu
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