Prez ignored warnings of shortages in health sector, says CMLS chief

By Rathindra Kuruwita

College of Medical Laboratory Science (CMLS) President, Ravi Kumudesh told The Island yesterday that they had warned the government almost a year ago that hospitals would run out of medicine by March and April of 2022.

“We have sent the President several letters but he didn’t even reply. All previous Presidents at least got a secretary to acknowledge correspondence. The entire country is now paying the price for President Rajapaksa’s arrogance,” he said.

Since his appointment, President Rajapaksa only held discussions with the Government Medical Officers Association (GMOA) and Ven. Muruththettuwe Ananda Thera’s Public Service United Nurses’ Union (PSUNU). Kumudesh said. “Even these discussions were held to undermine union action of health workers and those who advised the President must also be held responsible for the current crisis in the health sector,” he said.

“Now, these advisors are nowhere to be seen. In some cases, they are now protesting against the government,” he said.

The CMLS head said that there was a shortage of most essential medicines and test kits to identify various diseases.

“The health workers are compelled to treat patients with what is available. A lot of people will die, and some are already dying. Who will take responsibility for their deaths?” Kumudesh asked.

He warned that the health sector would face severer shortages in the coming months and that the situation might end up being similar to that in Somalia.

“Some are comparing the situation to North Korea. This is not true. At least there is some order in North Korea. Here, we only have chaos. Our Health Secretary is doing nothing to tackle the growing problems in the sector. He was not appointed because of his qualifications. He was appointed because he was close to the President. Excellent health administrators were sent home or transferred to make way for him. Now we are paying the price,” he said.