The entire ward of Sri Lanka’s largest hospital was dark and almost empty, with some patients untreated and still in pain. Doctors and nurses could not come to the hospital to perform their duties due to lack of fuel for transportation.
as reported AFP, Tuesday (26/7/2022), The unprecedented economic crisis has dealt a blow to Sri Lanka’s free and universal health system. Sri Lanka’s healthcare system has become the envy of even its South Asian neighbours.
But when the economic crisis hit the country, everything changed. Theresa Marie, who is suffering from diabetes and high blood pressure, which has caused swelling in her joints, was in the capital Colombo for medical attention at the National Hospital in Sri Lanka.
Unable to find transport for his journey, he had to walk 5 kms. Mary was discharged from the hospital four days later, but she struggled to stand still because the pharmacy ran out of subsidized painkillers.
“The doctor asked me to buy medicine from a private pharmacy, but I have no money. My knee is still swollen. I have no home in Colombo. I don’t know how long I have to last,” said Shadi. Said 70. AFP,
The National Hospital of Sri Lanka usually treats people who come from different parts of the country who require specialist care. But now the hospital is under staff and many of its 3,400 treatment beds are unused.
