First Govt. to Govt. agreement signed to end drug shortage

Nadira Gunatilleke

Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena has made arrangements to end the drug shortage in Sri Lanka by directly importing drugs from foreign countries through governments without the involvement of companies.

The first agreement in connection with importing drugs from Bangladesh was signed between the Bangladesh and Sri Lankan governments, a Health Ministry spokesman said.

The spokesman said Minister Sirisena who is in Bangladesh, signed the agreement yesterday in connection with importing drugs directly through the Bangladesh government for five years without the involvement of companies.

A similar agreement is to be signed with the Indian government, he said. The spokesman said under the new system, there will be no price changes in drugs as drugs will be supplied to Sri Lanka by foreign governments for the same price agreed, even if the prices are increased during the five year period.

The Health Ministry in the past called tenders every year to obtain drugs from foreign companies, the spokesman said.