9.4.16
Ministry of
Health has launched a new programme under the instructions of Health
Minister Dr. Rajitha Senaratne to prevent drug shortages next year
(2017) and to ensure uninterrupted drug supply for all state hospitals.
According to the Ministry, annually
around 4000 drugs are obtained by the Medical Supplies Division of the
Health Ministry from state and private sector. Some drug shortages were
reported during the past months due to lack of understanding about drug
supply. Now drugs are being provided for cancer patients free of charge
without limitations.
Over 90% of drugs will be supplied to state hospitals in 2017 without delay. The current tender system takes nine months to supply one drug but now a new system has been proposed to reduce this delay to one and half months. Dentists have given a list of 449 new drugs to the Health Minister and still those drugs had not been registered with the National Medicines Regulatory Authority.
Over 90% of drug requirements for state hospitals for 2017 have already been forwarded to the State Pharmaceutical Corporation and the rest of the requirements will be forwarded soon. Several new proposals were presented to the Health Minister during a meeting held recently in connection with ensuring smooth drug supply. Health Deputy Minister Fizal Kasim was also present.
-news.lk
