News

Shortage of 190 medicines in hospitals islandwide

Published

1 month ago

April 12, 2025

editor

It has been recently revealed that delays in document processing delays at the State Pharmaceuticals Corporation (SPC) and at the Price Regulation Committee of the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) have also contributed to the prevailing drug shortage.

During a drug review meeting at the Ministry of Health on April 10, it was revealed that delays in processing procurement files at the SPC and delays of files at the NMRA’s Price Regulation Committee have resulted in this.

During the meeting which was chaired by Director General of Health Services, Dr. Asela Gunawardena, it was also revealed that 190 types of medicines are currently in shortage across hospitals islandwide.

Medical Supplies Division officials have warned that the situation may worsen after the Sinhala and Tamil New Year.

Officials noted that while locally manufactured medicines can be obtained quickly, the necessary files are currently delayed at the Price Regulation Committee of the NMRA.

It was also revealed that around 200 completed procurement files at the SPC are delayed, with only 90 released to suppliers for medicine imports.

Also, a process to set up a state-level system for medicine procurement was also discussed.

News

8,742 Vesak Dansals registered islandwide

Published

1 hour ago

May 12, 2025

editor

The Public Health Inspectors (PHI)’s Union states that a total of 8,742 Dansals have been registered islandwide, in line with Vesak celebrations this year.

According to the PHI’s Union chairman – Upul Rohana, the highest number of ‘Dansal’ is registered in the Western Province, particularly in the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) area.

The union has also urged organiser to reduce the use of polythene and plastic during food distribution efforts.

News

Financial assistance from President’s Fund for Gerandi Ella bus accident victims

Published

2 hours ago

May 12, 2025

editor

A sum of Rs. 1 million from the President’s Fund will be granted for each individual who lost their life in the Kotmale bus accident, the President’s Media Division states.

President Anura Kumara Disanayake has directed that a sum of Rs. 1 million be granted from the President’s Fund to each individual who lost their life in the tragic bus accident that occurred early this morning (11) in the Garadiella area, Kotmale.

Accordingly, arrangements have been made to promptly disburse these funds to the next of kin of the deceased through the President’s Fund.

In addition to this assistance, compensation will also be provided to the affected families through the Sri Lanka Transport Board and relevant insurance schemes.

Meanwhile, authorities continue to investigate the cause of the accident, which has claimed 22 lives so far.

(Pic : Accident1st)

News

Maxwell gets 5-yr. ban

Published

3 hours ago

May 12, 2025

editor

Former Secretary of the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka (NOCSL) Maxwell de Silva was handed a five-year ban, sources revealed.

Earlier, De Silva was suspended by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Ministry of Sports due to various irregularities committed by him over several years.

Accordingly, the NOCSL Executive Committee decided to hand down a five-year ban on De Silva, considering the recommendations made by the NOCSL Ethics Committee, NOCSL President Suresh Subramaniam told the Daily Mirror.

Subramaniam further stated that the penalty on De Silva has already been communicated in writing to the IOC.

Accordingly, the former secretary, who has been banned for five years, is now completely prohibited from representing the NOCSL at any foreign event or international conference.

(dailymirror.lk)

(Except for the headline, this story, originally published by dailymirror.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)