Report drug requirement on time

Minister tells Health Directors:

Nadira GUNATILLEKE

Healthcare and Nutrition Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva ordered the Directors of all State hospitals to inform their drug requirement to the Ministry on time to ensure uninterrupted supply and avoid drug shortages.

The Medical Supply Division will be computerized soon at a cost of Rs.500 million to deliver a smooth service, a Healthcare and Nutrition Ministry spokesman said. He said most of the time artificial delays and artificial drug shortages occur when hospital authorities fail to inform the Ministry about their drug requirement on time.

The Ministry has already sent three lorries full of essential drugs, medical equipment, surgical equipment and other items to Padaviya Hospital.

The items will be used to treat patients transported to Trincomalee and Pulmude from uncleared areas in Mulaitivu.

According to the spokesman, the Ministry has provided three wards with 150 beds, a complete theatre with two beds and staff to Padaviya hospital.

The Ministry also provided all required drugs, equipment and staff for Trincomalee and Vavuniya hospitals where majority of the patients are being treated.

Additional drug stocks had also been sent to all hospitals. Required shipments of Pethidine and Morphine injections have already been sent.