Ministry probes medicine fraud

Pharmacist bought Rs. 2.5 m van by illegal sale of drugs:

COLOMBO: The Health and Nutrition Ministry is investigating the alleged misappropriation of Rs. 5 million worth medicine provided to the Ampara Hospital.

The medicine was provided by international organisations and countries during the 2004 tsunami to be distributed among hospitals along coastal areas.

According to Health Ministry sources, a pharmacist in the Ampara Hospital is behind this illegal deal.

The Ministry’s Audit Department has begun collecting information in this regard.

Investigations have revealed that the pharmacist has not followed the proper process.

The medicine received has not been included into inventories, a Ministry spokesman said. Investigations have revealed that the pharmacist had sold the medicine to private sector pharmacies and purchased a van valued at Rs. Rs. 2.5 million.

The Health Ministry will take action after investigations are over, Ministry sources said.