Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa, President of the Medical Professionals’ Alliance for Medical and Civil Rights, states that serious issues are arising due to the current unavailability in the market of “Mithuri”—a contraceptive pill widely used by women in Sri Lanka for decades.
He points out that women across the country are facing severe difficulties because “Mithuri” pills, distributed by the Family Planning Association of Sri Lanka, are currently unavailable in both the public and private sectors; he further notes that these pills are prescribed not only for contraception but also for treating other gynecological conditions.
“Mithuri” is a highly popular oral contraceptive among Sri Lankan women, boasting an efficacy rate of 99.9%. Dr. Sanjeewa also highlights a severe shortage of alternative medications that could be used in place of this pill.
He mentions that market sources confirm difficulties regarding the importation of this drug have arisen due to pharmaceutical price regulations.