Sri Lanka’s economic woes push hospitals to the brink of disaster

Sri Lanka’s economy is in shambles, causing protests, food shortages, and power cuts, leaving Miru’s medicine in short supply.

Miru, three years old, appears to be oblivious to the crisis unfolding around him as he plays with a bright red toy car.

Miru has a malignant brain tumour that causes epileptic seizures and long periods of unconsciousness. The only thing that helps is an anti-convulsant drug, but Miru’s father, Upul Chandana, has had trouble finding it.

“The hospital no longer has this. Even nearby pharmacies are out “Chandana’s only son is playing on the thin mattress behind him. “We can’t get the medicine even with money.”

Due to high foreign debt repayments and a massive trade deficit, Sri Lanka is unable to import basic goods and medicine. People in Sri Lanka are struggling to buy basic items like milk powder and cooking gas, and protesters have taken to the streets to demand the resignation of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. Sri Lanka has suspended external debt repayments while negotiating a bailout package with the IMF.

The country is now facing a “unprecedented humanitarian crisis” due to a lack of medical drugs and equipment.

The use of mobile phones to perform surgery is also reported by doctors. Authorities have not yet confirmed any deaths due to medicine shortages, but experts warn the crisis could kill more than 1600 Covid deaths.

“This is a crisis, we can’t predict how bad it will get,” said Athula Amarasena, secretary of the Sri Lankan State Pharmaceutical Association. “But we’re aware we’re in trouble.”