Over 190 dispensers for rural hospitals

Nadira Gunatilleke

The Healthcare and Nutrition Ministry has appointed 194 Dispensers to rural hospitals countrywide under the Government’s vision to develop the difficult areas in the country giving priority to rural development, a Healthcare and Nutrition Ministry spokesman said.

According to the spokesman, these Dispensers granted permanent employment and posted to rural hospitals and other State health institutes have already completed their two year training. Earlier, sanitary labourers served as Dispensers in some of the State hospitals located in rural areas.

The Ministry will give priority to rural hospitals and State health institutions located in difficult rural areas when posting newly appointed health workers and professionals under the Government’s plan to upgrade all facilities in rural areas in the country.

Dispensers play a major role in the health care system. Doctors prescribe drugs and the Dispensers issue drugs to the patients. The shortage of qualified Dispensers was an immediate need in the State health sector.