Support for Sri Lanka

The College is deeply saddened by the unfolding situation in Sri Lanka.

In a period that many hoped would be about recovery and healing after a long and arduous battle with COVID, the incomparable economic downturn is severely impacting the lives of the people in Sri Lanka.

As well as the shortages of food, petrol and gas, there are shortages of essential psychotropic medicines, such as clozapine, risperidone, sodium valproate, etc. As we’ve seen with many other crises before, their government is prioritising the purchase of life-saving medications related to Cardiology, Anaesthesiology and Oncology, with no funds remaining for provision of essential psychotropics.

The College is supporting the Sri Lanka College of Psychiatrists (SLCPsych) who are organising a buffer supply of medication for psychiatric services. The SLCPsych negotiated customs clearance with the Medical Supplies Division of the Ministry of Health to receive donations of medications registered with recognised regulatory bodies, such as USFDA, EMA, MHRA, TGA Australia or registered products of NMRA (National Medicines Regulatory Authority – Sri Lanka). In addition, they have opened a foreign currency account for monetary donations.

Please get in touch with Agnes Raboczki, International Liaison Manager, if you wish to learn more about how you can donate medicine to the SLCPsych.

Back to our May 2022 eNewsletter.