– Concerns over medicine shortages, equipment limitations and administrative inefficiencies at the Colombo National Hospital (CNH) came under sharp focus during a high-level management meeting held at the hospital recently, prompting the Deputy Health Minister to order an urgent review of supply and service systems.

The meeting, held at the Epilepsy Treatment Center Auditorium, was chaired by Deputy Minister of Health Dr. Hansaka Wijayamuni and attended by senior health officials, specialists, nurses and administrative staff, with discussions centered on persistent operational challenges affecting patient care.Health professionals at the meeting highlighted ongoing issues including shortages of essential medicines, delays in equipment availability, staffing constraints and administrative bottlenecks, which they said were impacting the efficiency of patient treatment services at the country’s premier referral hospital.

Responding to the concerns, the Deputy Minister acknowledged that although budgetary allocations for medicines and emergency procurement had been increased compared to previous years, supply disruptions were still being reported from within the hospital system. He directed officials to investigate the gaps in procurement and distribution mechanisms without delay.He further said that the Colombo National Hospital, as the flagship institution of Sri Lanka’s public health sector, must maintain consistent service standards and patient safety, warning that systemic weaknesses in such a key hospital could undermine public confidence in the entire health system.

“The National Hospital must function as a fully efficient, model institution with the highest standards of care and safety. The responsibility for this lies collectively with all levels of staff,” he said, urging immediate corrective measures.Hospital staff, including specialists and nurses, raised multiple concerns during the session, some of which were addressed on the spot, while others were referred for further administrative action with specific directives issued for follow-up.

The meeting was also attended by Member of Parliament and Colombo District Health Coordinating Officer Dr. Najith Indika, senior officials from the Ministry of Health and Mass Media, deputy directors general, and top administrative and medical officers of the National Hospital.