The Health Ministry today announced that the statement issued on Monday that the Indian government was going to take punitive action on errant drug suppliers, quoting High Commissioner Kantha was incorrect and that Sri Lanka has requested an inquiry and action against the Indian drug suppliers who have violated the tender procedure.

The Indian government has also pledged Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena a fully-fledged 150 bed hospital to Hatton – Dikoya area under its health assistance programme, a  spokesman of the Ministry said.

The pledge was made during a cordial discussion between Minister Sirisena and Indian High Commissioner Ashok K. Kanth held on Monday at the official residence of the Minister, he added.

“High Commissioner Mr. Kanth reiterated the continuation of the health assistance programme to Sri Lanka and expressed hopes that the new hospital would be a blessing to the people in Hatton – Dikoya and the estate population in particular, Ministry spokesman W.M.D.Wanninayaka said. (Sandun A. Jayasekera)