Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa has acknowledged a shortage of Filgrastim injections, a critical medication used in cancer treatment, and committed to resolving the immediate supply crisis within seven days.
A shortage of Filgrastim injections at government hospitals came under parliamentary scrutiny after MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam raised concerns about supply constraints affecting cancer patients. The medication, essential for chemotherapy, bone marrow transplantation, and related treatments, has been in limited supply since July at facilities including Apeksha Hospital in Maharagama and other state institutions.
According to Health Minister Jayatissa, the shortage has forced patients to seek alternatives through private pharmacies, where Filgrastim injections are reportedly priced between Rs. 17,000 and Rs. 23,000 per dose, while similar medications like Neupogen range from Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 30,000 in certain areas. The Minister disclosed that national annual requirements total approximately 300,000 vials, with Apeksha Hospital alone needing around 9,750 units monthly.
The government had placed orders for 310,000 vials in January 2025 for use during 2026, with an additional order for 2027 placed in December 2025. In May 2026, 160,000 vials arrived from China as part of the 2027 order; however, the shipment faced regulatory complications. According to the Minister, the syringes lacked proper labeling as mandated by the National Medicines Regulatory Authority, with labels appearing only on cardboard packaging rather than required locations—a significant deviation from procurement standards.
To address the immediate crisis, the government has instructed procurement through air cargo, expected to resolve shortages within one week, while standard procurement channels typically require six weeks. MP Rasamanickam called for enhanced monitoring of Filgrastim inventory across government hospitals and implementation of long-term procurement strategies to prevent recurrence.
