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 Meteorology Department says showery conditions are expected to enhance in the southwestern part of the island from June 10th, with strong gusty winds expected over the island and in the sea areas around the island.
Several spells of showers will occur in Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-western provinces and in Kandy, Nuwara-Eliya, Galle and Matara districts today (June 07).
Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in the Northern and Uva provinces and in Ampara and Batticaloa districts during the afternoon or night.
Fairly strong winds of about 30-40 kmph can be expected at times over Western slopes of the central hills and in Northern, North-central, North-western and Southern provinces and in Trincomalee district.
The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
The National Poson Festival is being held centered around the sacred cities of Anuradhapura, Mihintale, and Thanthirimale.
The National Poson Week begins today (June 07) and will continue until June 13.
Anuradhapura District Secretary K.P. Ranjith Wimalasooriya said that all necessary arrangements have been made for the convenience of devotees arriving for the National Poson Festival.
Meanwhile, a special mobile app created will provide necessary facilities to devotees during the Poson season while providing information on parking facilities, ‘Dansel’ locations, first aid centers, as well as areas prone to traffic.
Muslims in Sri Lanka are celebrating the Hajj festival today.
The festival commemorates the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim’s (Abraham) son as an act of respect to the divine.
Eid al-Adha, the second most significant festival for Muslims globally, coincides with the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Makkah in Saudi Arabia.
Hajj is a mandatory religious duty for Muslims and one of the five pillars of Islam. It must be performed at least once in a lifetime by every Muslim who is physically and financially capable of undertaking the journey to the holy city of Makkah.
