20 September 2022 12:00 am Views - 107
CCL Pharmaceuticals Pakistan handed over to the Ministry of Health a stock lifesaving medicine that will help kidney transplant patients to prevent organ failure, a statement from the Pakistani High Commission said.
The donation was facilitated by the mission.
Considering the current acute shortage of medicines, the gesture will support the government of Sri Lanka in providing a critical drug for kidney patients. This aid comes under CCL’s Hand in Hand United Nations Sustainability goal of enabling health and well-being for all, Vision 2030.
Syed Umair Maroof (Business Head – CCL) along with Major General (Retd.) Umar Farooq Burki HI (M), Pakistani High Commissioner, Ms. Asmma Kamal, Trade and Investment Attaché at the High Commission of Pakistan and CCL Sri Lanka team, Viraj Manatunga - Chief Strategy Officer of CIC Holding handed over CCL’s Tacgraf medicine to Dr. Keheliya Rambukwella (Minister of Health), along with Secretary of Health, Rasitha Wijewantha, Chairman National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) and CEO of NMRA. The event took place at the Ministry of Health in Colombo.
“CCL is extremely pleased to be able to support the Ministry of Health, Sri Lanka in responding to the medical needs of the country, as well as ensuring health and happiness through our Hand in Hand UN SDG promise towards health and well-being for all” said Syed Umair Maroof – Business Head – CCL.
The High Commissioner said “The government and private sector of Pakistan will continue to do whatever possible in our capacity to support our Sri Lankan brothers and sisters, especially during these challenging times. We highly appreciate CCL Pharmaceuticals in positively responding to our call for assistance and for providing lifesaving drugs to the people of Sri Lanka during these uncertain times. We are all together in this and we will create a positive impact collectively.”
“The Ministry of Health warmly welcomes the support from the High Commission of Pakistan and CCL Pharmaceuticals Pakistan in providing such a critical drug for our people. This will go a long way in treating people with kidney failures,” said Dr. Keheliya. He added “We certainly cannot afford to let our guard down due to the current economic situation, so it is reassuring to know that this support from CCL means we have medicine of the highest quality for providing critical healthcare to the people of Sri Lanka.”
It is pertinent to mention here that Tacgraf is an immunosuppressant which is critical for more than 400 patients which makes up to 15- 20% of the kidney transplant patients in Sri Lanka.