Treasury to release funds to buy medicine

COLOMBO (News 1st) - Minister of Health Keheliya Rambukwella says that the Treasury will provide Rs. 2 Billion to purchase essential medicines.

The Minister said that the government is to make payments to the tune of Rs. 20 Billion to medicine importers.

The Minister said that steps have been taken to pay the money in instalments.

The Minister also added that the Health Ministry is in possession of 14 types of life-saving medicines, including medicines for cancer patients.

Moreover, the Minister also said that 151 types of essential medicines are NOT available in the country.

The Minister said that 60 types of medicines that are in short supply will be imported to Sri Lanka in the next week.