PM takes action to resolve essential drugs shortage

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday instructed the Health Ministry to immediately submit a document on the essential drugs in Sri Lanka and the drugs which are in short supply.

This was stated at a discussion held at the Prime Minister’s Office under the patronage of Wickremesinghe to discuss short-term and medium-term solutions to the current drug crisis due to the current economic crisis.

In addition, the Prime Minister said that the Governments of Sri Lanka and India had agreed to pay back the loan in rupees after discussions due to the lack of dollars for the purchase of $ 200 million worth of medicines received by Sri Lanka under the Indian loan facility. Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella stated that due to the stock of medicines and anaesthetics to be provided by the French Government today, it will be possible to maintain a continuous 90-day operation in all emergency operating theatres in the country.

The Drug Regulatory Authority is making prompt purchases of drugs. An Independent Committee headed by Health Minister Rambukwella has been appointed to amend the Drugs Regulatory Authority Act.

In addition, it was revealed that there is a shortage of 76 essential medicines at present. It was further revealed that local pharmaceutical suppliers have to pay Rs. 33 billion in arrears Ports, Shipping and Aviation Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva, former Ministers Ruwan Wijewardena and Sagala Ratnayake as well as the Secretary to the Ministry of Health and Government health officials were also present.