The current shortage of medicines is due to shortcomings in the procurement process, not a financial problem, says Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa. The Minister said this while participating in a ceremony held in the Ampara area.
The Minister also said that the procurement process for importing medicines has already begun and accordingly, the relevant medicines are scheduled to be brought after the upcoming month of November.
Minister Nalinda Jayatissa further commented,
“Some medicines are not available in the private market, not in the open, not in the market, not in pharmacies. There is such a problem. We do not allow registration by submitting unlimited prices during drug registration. A certain price range has been set considering the current market situation in South Asian countries. Those who do not like it will not supply medicines.
We have handed over the orders to the SPC to tender. Now that work is being done, about 80%-85% of it is now complete. The medicines we procured are scheduled to arrive after this November.”