Drug shortage forecasting unit

Nadira GUNATILLEKE

The Healthcare and Nutrition Ministry will establish a 'Drug Capacity Forecasting Unit' at the State Pharmaceutical Corporation (SPC) to prevent drug shortages in State hospitals and other State medical institutions, a Ministry spokesman said.

According to the spokesman the unit will forecast on all possible drug shortages three months prior to the actual shortage. The unit will obtain data from all State hospitals and dispensaries to develop and maintain a complete data base on drug requirements of all institutes.

Meanwhile, the Ministry has obtained Cabinet approval for 'Emergency Pharmaceutical Purchasing' and will send a special team to India to purchase 98 essential life saving drugs required after another three months.

A treasury representative will also be included in this special team to ensure transparency. The drugs will be delivered to Sri Lanka and will distributed among State hospitals within 10 days, he said.