Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa, President of the Government Medical Officers' Forum (GMOF)—an alliance of medical professionals advocating for medical and civil rights—states that serious issues are arising due to the current unavailability in the market of "Mithuri" contraceptive pills, which have been widely used by women in Sri Lanka for decades.
Pointing 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 notes that these pills are prescribed not only for contraception but also for treating other gynecological conditions.
"Specialist doctors prescribe these pills for women suffering from hormonal imbalances, as well as for older women experiencing symptoms associated with menopause," he said.
"Mithuri" is one of the most popular oral contraceptive pills (OCP) among women in Sri Lanka, boasting an efficacy rate as high as 99.9%. Specialist Dr. Chamal Sanjeeva points out that there is also a severe shortage of alternative medications that could be used in place of this pill.
The 'Mithuri' pill contains low doses of two female hormones: ethinyl estradiol (0.03mg) and levonorgestrel (0.15mg). It is a highly popular contraceptive among women in Sri Lanka due to its ease of use and minimal side effects. Doctors warn that the shortage of these contraceptive pills could lead to an increase in unwanted pregnancies and unsafe abortions.
Market sources confirm that difficulties regarding the importation of this drug have arisen due to price regulations; Dr. Sanjeeva emphasizes that the Ministry of Health and the National Medicines Regulatory Authority must address this situation urgently and implement necessary remedies.