The economic crisis in Sri Lanka-Doller shortage is not the main reason behind medicine shortage in the country- Auditor General

The latest report issued by the Auditor General has revealed that the main reason for the shortage of medicines in the country is not the lack of exchange.

In his report, the Auditor General points out that the lack of exchange is only the proximate cause of the lack of supply of medicines.

The Auditor General points out in his report that there has been a shortage of medicines due to;
Failure to properly update and improperly use the computer system installed to manage medical supplies

Lack of proper coordination and linkage between the Ministry of Health Ministry of State, Department of Medical Supplies, Drug Regulatory Corporation and State Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Corporation

Also, the Auditor General observed that the lack of a process to constantly monitor the progress and performance of the drugs ordered has led to the shortage of drugs in the legalized drug corporation.

It is said that the shortage of medicines has also been caused by not placing orders according to a procurement schedule for many years

These facts have been revealed by the Auditor General’s special audit report on the measures taken to avoid the shortage of drugs and shortages in government hospitals by May 13, 2022.

In his report, the Auditor General points out that the lack of proper coordination between the institutions entrusted with the responsibility of providing essential medicines and the inefficiency of those institutions have led to this situation.