Sri Lanka's health service is in crisis, and the following report is about the appalling situation at the National Institute for Nephrology Dialysis & Transplantation, and Dental Institutions across the country due to the shortage of medicines and medical supplies. 

Kindey transplants at the National Institute for Nephrology Dialysis & Transplantation are likely to be suspended due to the shortage of two vital medicines identified as ATG and Basiliximab.

The medicine is an antibody used to prevent rejection in kidney transplants.

Sri Lanka's Health Ministry said that there are two separate suppliers for ATG and Basiliximab, and that one of the suppliers had not imported the medication.

The Health Ministry said that as a result of this situation, a decision was made to move 60 vials from the Kurunegala Teaching Hospital to the National Institute for Nephrology Dialysis & Transplantation.

It added that another 700 vials are to be received in the future. 

The Government Dental Surgeons' Association warned that dental services at many state hospitals have been stalled due to the shortage of medicine and medical supplies.

News 1st correspondents said patients visiting the National Dental Hospital were turned back on Thursday (27).

Sri Lanka's Health Ministry said that orders for the said medication were placed in 2021.

The Health Ministry noted that due to the change in foreign exchange, suppliers had informed that they cannot supply the stocks at the previously agreed rates.

Therefore, the Health Ministry had decided to call for fresh tenders.

In the meantime, it is reported that 270 medicine and medical equipment are to be prioritized to be imported under an emergency procurement process.