Sri Lanka crisis

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In a week where protestors stormed the residences of its leaders, forcing the president to resign, Sri Lanka continues to faces its worst economic crisis in more than 70 years. There have been months of shortages - from fuel and cooking gas to food and medicines. We hear from three doctors in the capital Colombo about running out of essentials such as HIV testing kits. One talks about paying for their patient’s cancer treatment out of their own pocket. Another doctor advises: “Do not get sick. Stick to your routine medications. Don’t skip any medicines. Don’t climb heights unnecessarily. Take care of yourselves and only, if it’s really necessary, come to the hospital because we are running low on supplies.” Host James Reynolds also hears from two Sri Lankans about coping among constant shortages. One was queuing for four days and nights to ensure he had enough petrol in his car to take his wife, who is seven months pregnant, to hospital in case of an emergency. (Photo: A protest calling for the resignation of the president and PM in Colombo, Sri Lanka, 30 June 2022. Credit: Chamila Karunarathne/EPA)