Urgent Call to Prevent Looming Medicine Shortage š
The Sri Lanka Chamber of the Pharmaceutical Industry (SLCPI) has warned of a national crisis regarding the supply of essential and life-saving medicines due to mounting economic and logistical pressures. ā¢ Core Crisis Drivers: Global Supply Chain: Freight charges up over 40%, and raw material prices (APIs) surged by up to 70%. Domestic Costs: Fuel prices increased by ~38%, compounded by the depreciation of the Sri Lankan Rupee. Regulatory Hurdles: Delays in import license renewals and pricing review processes are stalling consignments. ā¢ Sector Impact: The pharmaceutical industry, which is heavily import-dependent, faces a breakdown in temperature-controlled logistics and quality-assured supply chains. If unresolved, this risks the entry of substandard/falsified medicines through unauthorized channels. ā¢ Urgent Recommendations: Immediate stabilization of the medicine supply chain. Accelerated processing of import licenses and better coordination with price reviews. Recognition of escalated operating costs to ensure the sustainability of healthcare services. _Note: Summary based on SLCPI industry warnings issued April 2026._