Sri Lanka’s health system crumbles amid lack of basic drugs – The National

Sri Lanka’s health system crumbles amid lack of basic drugs – The National

Sri Lanka’s health system is the latest casualty of a worsening economic collapse which has led to chronic shortages of food and fuel amid surging national debt and a sharp rise in the worldwide price of vital commodities.

Life-saving cancer drugs are running out and hospitals have been forced to cut back standard medical procedures, focusing on accident and emergency treatment.

Even basic medical equipment is in short supply and single-use medical items are being sterilised and reused, Reuters reports.