PM discusses medicine shortage with stakeholders

COLOMBO (News 1st); Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe instructed the Ministry of Health to submit an immediate report on the availability of essential medicines in Sri Lanka and the medicines that are in short supply.

This was requested at a discussion held on Wednesday (25) at the Prime Minister's Office to discuss short and medium-term solutions to the shortage of medical supplies due to the economic crisis.

It was reported that there is a shortage of 76 essential medicines and that the Government owes local pharmaceutical suppliers Rs. 33 billion in arrears.

The Governments of Sri Lanka and India agreed that the purchase of US $ 200 million worth of medicines received by Sri Lanka under the Indian loan facility will be paid back in Sri Lankan Rupees, said the PMs Office.

Minister of Health, Keheliya Rambukwella assured that the stock of medicines and anesthetics to be provided by the French Government tomorrow will enable maintaining all emergency operating theatres in the country for 90 days continuously.

An independent committee headed by the Minister of Health, Keheliya Rambukwella was appointed to amend the National Medicines Regulatory Authority Act to facilitate the acquisition of urgent medical supplies.

Minister of Health Keheliya Rambukwella addressed the gathering. Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva, former Ministers Ruwan Wijewardena and Sagala Ratnayake, Secretary to the Ministry of Health, and government health officials were present.