SL health sector declares medical emergency

Sri Lankan Government Medical Officers' Association announced the decision in an Emergency Central Committee convened on Monday.

"Discussions and decisions were taken on a number of issues, including the health sector breakdown amid severe shortage of drugs and equipment, power cuts and fuel shortages due to the current poor economic and financial management of the country," the association said in a statement.

During the meeting, the association said that Sri Lanka is facing a severe shortage of essential medicines and other medical equipment in all hospitals and healthcare facilities.

The country is currently facing its worst ever economic crisis which also led people to launch massive anti-government protests.

"The health ministry and the government have failed to make plans to prevent the imminent collapse of the health service as the free health service...is not considered as a priority of the country,'' it said.

"Ensuring the right of the people to life and health is an inalienable responsibility of a government. But, they have so far failed to uphold that fundamental right."

Due to the government's failure to provide basic essential medicines, equipment and facilities, the Central Committee of the Government Medical Officers' Association (GMOA) decided to declare a state of health emergency in the country, and prioritise emergency treatment.

The association also said that stern action would be taken against the government if it fails to secure the necessary funding and financial support to maintain the health service.