COPE Chairman (Prof) Charitha Herath, recommended at the Committee meeting held that action will be taken to resolve the drugs shortage in the country as soon as possible using the Indian Credit Loan assistance and other credit facilities.
The recommendations were made when the officials representing the State Pharmaceuticals Corporation of Sri Lanka (SPC) were summoned to the COPE Committee on May 31 to discuss the current performance and shortage of drugs in government hospitals as at May 13, 2022 and the measures taken to address the shortage.
The COPE Chairman pointed out that despite receiving US$ 200 million in financial assistance under the Indian Credit Line facility, by April 22, 2022, the Ministry’s Drug Subcommittee had only recommended a stockpile of medical supplies worth US$ 55.5 million. It was further stated that it is only 28% of that grant and by May 18, 2022, only US$ 92.9 million had been recommended for invoices. The Members of Parliament who were present at the meeting also pointed out that when there is a shortage of essential medicines in the country, action should be taken to obtain the required medicines using this money immediately. The Members of Parliament who were present at the meeting also pointed out that when there is a shortage of essential medicines in the country, action should be taken to obtain the required medicines using this money immediately.
The COPE Chairman further pointed out the need to resolve these issues as soon as possible, especially as the shortage of essential medicines is a problem concerning the lives of people and to provide the essential medicines to the general public as soon as possible.
Add new comment