Shortage of medicines in Sri Lanka caused by the economic crisis could soon result in deaths, according to doctors, as hospitals are forced to postpone life-saving procedures for their patients due to the lack of drugs.

Sri Lanka imports more than 80% of its medical supplies, but as the country’s foreign currency reserves deplete due to the crisis, essential medications are disappearing from shelves and the healthcare system is on the verge of collapsing.

Patients, their loved ones, and doctors at the 950-bed Apeksha cancer hospital in the outskirts of Colombo’s commercial capital feel increasingly helpless because of shortages that are forcing the suspension of tests and the postponement of procedures including critical surgery.

“It is extremely harmful to cancer patients,” Dr. Roshan Amaratunga said.

“Sometimes, we plan for surgeries in the morning, but we may not be able to do them that day… because (supplies) are not available.”

Several patients will face a virtual death sentence if the situation does not improve quickly, he said.

Covid-19, which is wreaking havoc on the tourism-dependent economy, rising oil prices, populist tax cuts, and a ban on the import of chemical fertilisers, which has devastated agriculture, have all contributed to Sri Lanka’s worst economic crisis since 1948.

About 180 items, including injections for dialysis patients, medicine for transplant patients, and certain cancer drugs, are running out, according to a government official working on medical supply procurement.

According to the official, Saman Rathnayake, supplies are being provided by India, Japan, and multilateral donors, but delivery could take up to four months.

Meanwhile, he said, Sri Lanka has appealed to private donors both at home and abroad for assistance.