Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella yesterday said that a decision has been taken to halt the emergency purchases of medicinal drugs with immediate effect.
Speaking to the media yesterday at the Health Ministry, the Minister said that more than 90 percent of drugs are currently imported from India and Bangladesh.
The Minister further said that he has personally discussed with both Governments with regard to the direct purchase of drugs. Discussions with the Government of India have been successfully completed. He further said that the drug shortage which prevailed in the country from 2020 to 2021 has already been settled and currently there is no need for the emergency purchase of drugs.
“The decision to halt the emergency purchase of medicinal drugs had been taken after considering the huge social objection,” he said.
The Minister said that the number of patients receiving OPD treatment at Government hospitals has increased by 42 percent and the admissions to Government hospitals have increased by 25 to 27 percent.
The Health authorities are taking all possible measures to provide facilities for all the patients.
