Free Osu Sala drugs during paramedic strike

Nadira GUNATILLEKE

Patients seeking treatment at state hospital OPDs can obtain prescribed drugs from Osu Sala outlets free of charge during the period of trade union action by paramedics, Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena said.

Minister Sirisena said all demands of paramedics except one, were granted yesterday after discussions.

"The paramedics agreed to stop the trade union action at the Colombo South Teaching Hospital, Castle Street Maternity Hospital, Kandy Teaching Hospital and Kurunegala Teaching Hospital after discussions," he said.

Meanwhile, a ministry spokesman said that a special discussion will be held today with Finance Ministry officials to grant the last demand of the paramedics as the Health Ministry requires Finance Ministry approval.

The government will allocate Rs 103 billion for health sector development this year. The government from 2009 to 2012 increased

funds allocated for the health sector development by Rs 31 billion. Funds allocated for health sector development has been increased by Rs 10 billion every year, he added.