No Mithuri, no alternatives: Women face contraceptive crisis
– Women who rely on a commonly used contraceptive pill are facing difficulties obtaining it, with Mithuri and alternative contraceptive brands reportedly difficult to find at pharmacies, raising concerns over access to family planning services.The Federation of Doctors’ Trade Unions for Medical and Civil Rights President and Specialist Dr Chamal Sanjeewa said the widely used Mithuri contraceptive pill had become difficult to obtain in both the public and private sectors.
He said the situation was particularly concerning as alternative medicines that could be used instead of Mithuri were also reportedly not readily available at pharmacies.The price of some substitute contraceptive medicines has also reportedly increased sharply, from around Rs. 2,500 to Rs. 6,000, making them less affordable for women seeking alternatives.Mithuri is a combined oral contraceptive pill containing ethinyl estradiol (0.03mg) and levonorgestrel (0.15mg). It has been widely used in Sri Lanka for decades to prevent pregnancy and is also prescribed for certain menstrual and hormonal-related conditions.
According to Dr Sanjeewa, market sources had indicated that difficulties in importing the medicine had arisen due to existing price regulations on medicines. He called for the immediate intervention of the Health Ministry and the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) to ensure women who depend on contraceptive medicines are not left without suitable and affordable alternatives.
Meanwhile, the Family Planning Association of Sri Lanka (FPA Sri Lanka) confirmed that Mithuri oral contraceptive pills are currently in short supply in the country.The association said new orders had already been placed and that stocks are expected to be available in Sri Lanka within a month.FPA Sri Lanka also said the shortage had occurred due to a pricing issue involving the NMRA.
Mithuri is a combined oral contraceptive pill registered and approved for use in Sri Lanka under NMRA regulations.
Health authorities are therefore being urged to ensure the continued availability of Mithuri and suitable alternative contraceptive medicines, particularly as the rising cost of substitutes could place an additional financial burden on women until normal supplies are restored.