Govt to make direct purchase of essential drugs

Ridma DISSANAYAKE

The government decided to sign a special MoU with Indian and Bangladeshi governments to procure essential drugs and overcome current shortages, Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena said. The minister said a dearth of drugs is frequently experienced as a result of improper practises by suppliers in the provision of drugs.

Minister Sirisena revealed these facts while participating in a discussion with State Pharmaceutical Medical Corporation (SPMC) and Medical Supplies Division (MSD) representatives.

The Health Ministry has taken this decision to stop all infirmities in the procedure of supplying drugs to the government hospitals. The government decided to sign the MoU with India and Bangladesh to supply medicine directly without any involvement of pharmaceutical companies.

No person can take commissions or any other illegal advantages under this procedure, the minister said.