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.
The body of one of the two fishermen who went missing after a multi-day fishing vessel capsized in the seas off the coast of Paravi Wella in Tangalle, has been recovered.
The Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) confirmed that the fisherman’s body was recovered during search operations, which were conducted with the assistance of the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF).
The fishing vessel, named “Maxim Putha 1,” was carrying six fishermen when the accident occurred while returning to shore after poaching.
A total of six fishermen were onboard the vessel when it capsized off the coast of Paravi Wella Beach in Tangalle, four of whom were rescued with the help of a dinghy.
Efforts are underway to locate the remaining missing fisherman.
Meanwhile, three other boat accidents were reported yesterday in seas off Galle, Kalutara and Hikkaduwa.
In response to a surge in dengue cases, health authorities will launch a special mosquito control program tomorrow (June 30), covering 16 high-risk districts across the country.
According to the National Dengue Control Unit, the program will be in continue until the 5th of July.
A total of 28,752 dengue cases have been reported islandwide so far this year.
The highest number of cases were recorded from the Western Province.
Sixteen dengue-related deaths have been reported so far this year.
Religious and Cultural Affairs Minister Hiniduma Sunil Senevi today offered one million rupees from the President’s Fund to ailing veteran singer Ishaq Baig for his treatments.
The Sri Lankan Singers’ Association had launched a campaign “Ishak ta Kotiyak” (Rs. 10 million for Ishak) to raise funds for Ishaq Baig’s treatment and President Anura Kumara Dissanayake instructed to offer Rs. one million from the President’s Fund.
Minister Sunil Senevi visited Baig’s residence today and offered the cheque for one million rupees.
“Ishak ta Kotiyak”
Sri Lankan Singers’ Association President Rohan De Silva said they launched the campaign “Ishak ta Kotiyak” (Rs. 10 million for Ishak) to assist Ishaq Baig for his treatment and other expenses.
“Ishaq requires about Rs. 100,000 for his treatment and medicines monthly. We hope to make an investment with the funds so that Ishak could get at least Rs. 100,000 monthly for his expenses. We have been able to achieve the Rs. 10 million target within five days. However, we will keep the account open till the Esala Poya day while considering the request of well-wishers,” he said.
