Sri Lanka’s medical system is collapsing in the face of the worst economic crisis the country has seen. Shortages in critical healthcare supplies have become common, leaving many people struggling to get the necessary care they require. Various drugs, medicines, and supplies, along with fuel, are all in short supply—consequently, a wide range of procedures and tests have been halted, according to Reuters. The secretary of Sri Lanka’s pharmaceuticals ministry stated that of the 1,325 drugs that state hospitals receive from the government, “three life-saving medicines have completely run out, and another 140 essential ones are in short supply.” The collapse of the Sri Lankan healthcare network is even more devastating when considering that the universal governmental program supports a majority of the country’s 22 million citizens. Continuing scarcities in medicine are predicted to result in an increasing number of deaths as many Sri Lankans are left sick and unable to get treatment. The lack of fuel, medicine, and even food has led to protests across the nation, as well as damaging decisions by the government.

“We are closely following developments in Sri Lanka where in the past few days, the authorities announced a state of emergency and other restrictions in response to mass protests against the country’s worst economic crisis in decades,” said Liz Throssell, the Spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. “Public frustration had been rising in recent months with largely peaceful demonstrations taking place across the country. However, the situation has worsened over the past two weeks amid sudden shortages in fuel, cooking gas, some essential food items, and power cuts. This led to further protests by Sri Lankans left desperate by the rising cost of living and difficulties to obtain basic items.” Dealing with the economic crisis while protecting the rights of Sri Lanka’s populace has only been complicated by a rise in militarization and a fragile state government.

Addressing this crisis is necessary in order to ensure the long-term survival of the nation. Actions must occur on both a global and domestic scale, working to support the Sri Lankans who struggle to live and recover. Within the country, investing in decentralized social organizations can help to reestablish security and inject capital into the local market. With the danger to public health, the international community should offer limited support in providing the necessary supplies to assist the suffering populace—a move that helps to guarantee a stronger and healthier population in the future, saving the country’s future expenses. Moreover, with the help of global actors, including other countries and the IMF, Sri Lanka can effectively navigate the situation and secure the help of its citizens.

Sri Lanka’s economic turmoil is the result of many years of strife. COVID-19 was devastating to the tourism-centered national market, and the recent war in Ukraine has made importing fuel financially impossible, leading to blackouts. Widespread protests have condemned the government’s handling of the situation, highlighting the lack of food, fuel, and surging prices. Rapid inflation and a devaluation of the Sri Lankan rupee have made any economic recovery difficult. On April 12th, Sri Lanka’s central bank suspended external debt payments, citing an inability to keep the state afloat. As the Washington Post stated, authorities have increased interest rates and limited imports in an attempt to control the market; however, this is insufficient when viewing the country’s $2 billion in foreign reserves in comparison to its $7 billion debt. Consumer costs have risen by almost 19% in March, an increase that follows a rise of 15% in February.

Economic struggles and the consequent medical emergencies that have followed have created a delicate and difficult situation in Sri Lanka. The country’s multiple crises have generated both discontent and despair as the nation struggles to take care of itself. Global actors must come in to help the nation survive, and the domestic government must be conscientious of its citizens’ concerns. A major aspect of security and stability within a nation is the health of its populace—including both medicine and food. While Sri Lanka finds a way to recover, countless deaths cannot occur as a result of international negligence.