Sri Lanka, Aug. 18 -- Cancer patients receiving treatment at Apeksha Hospital in Maharagama have appealed to the authorities to urgently address shortages of essential medicines, warning that delays in treatment could put their lives at risk.

In a letter addressed to the President, Prime Minister, Health Minister and health authorities, the patients said there was a serious shortage of Neupogen, a medicine needed by patients undergoing chemotherapy.

They said the shortage was affecting their ability to receive chemotherapy on time and could lead to their health conditions worsening.

According to the patients, a Neupogen injection purchased privately can cost more than Rs. 20,000, while some patients require several doses. They said ma...