The Health Ministry has sent a circular to all government hospitals directing them to reduce the amount of issuing Paracetamol tablets to patients who seek OPD treatment.
 

The Director, Health Services has instructed to make adequate supervision on the issue of drugs to avoid any wastage. 
 

A senior official of the ministry said the supply of Paracetamol tablets cost the government Rs.200 million a month and steps were being taken to reduce that expenditure to the minimum.
 

Meanwhile, the Government Medical Officers Association (GMOA) Assistant Secretary, Dr. Chandika Epitakaduwa commended the ministry’s move to curtail the issue as a large number of patients visiting government hospitals threw away prescribed medicine including Paracetamol. (By Olindhi Jayasundere and Sajeewa Wijeweera)