Measures to arrest drug shortage

Nadira GUNMATILLEKE

Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena has appointed a special committee headed by Deputy Director General, Public Health Dr. Palitha Maheepala to investigate into drug shortages reported time to time at State hospitals, Healthcare and Nutrition Ministry sources said.

According to the sources Minister Sirisena appointed this committee after a special discussion held at the Ministry Monday with Finance Ministry Secretary Dr. P.B. Jayasundara, Health Ministry Secretary Dr. Ravindra Ruberu, Director General Health, Services, Dr. Ajith Mendis and the officials from State Pharmacuitical Corporation, Medical Supplies Division and Bank of Ceylon.

Other members of the Committee are from the State Pharmaceutical Corporation, Medical Supplies Division and Bank of Ceylon. The Committee will submit its report before May 5 under the direction of Minister Sirisena.

The Committee has been tasked with ascertaining essential drugs that are not available, the suppliers, the drugs ordered by the authorities the dates of their arrival, the drugs and the amounts that will be required in the near future, the same sources said.

The Health Ministry and the Finance Ministry will work together for the next three months to ensure an uninterrupted drug supply.