The Ministry of Health (MoH) has reportedly decided to directly procure around 110 types of medicines after discussions with governments of 07 foreign countries.

A special round of discussions regarding this has been reportedly held with diplomatic missions, involving both the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

According to the MoH, embassy officials from countries including India, Pakistan, China, and Bangladesh had joined the discussion.

However, it is reported that some of these medicines already have registered suppliers in Sri Lanka. But the MoH had taken the above decision after finding that these suppliers had not participated in recent Tenders for the medicines.

However, the suppliers claim that inefficiencies in the State Pharmaceuticals Corporation Tender boards had caused this issue.

They further point out that nearly a 1,000 Tender processes are stuck in the pipeline.

A recent review meeting chaired by Director General of Health Services – Dr. Asela Gunawardena on April 24 had also discussed the medicine shortage issue.

It was revealed that nearly 200 types of medicines are currently in short supply.

Additionally, it was revealed that the SPC has not signed contracts for about 85 medicines. Although the SPC has completed procurement for 42 medicines, it has not issued Letters of Credit (LCs).

Although concerns have also been raised in Parliament, no concrete action has been taken so far.

Meanwhile, the Doctors’ Trade Union Alliance for Medical and Civil Rights has highlighted shortages of items like intraocular lenses, heart catheters, and stents in hospitals.

Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa – President of the alliance, had stated that due to the shortage of catheters and stents needed for heart angiograms, patients are being forced to purchase them outside of hospital at a much higher cost.

(Source: Aruna)

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