• Health Minister says there was a delay in importing drugs due to forex crisis  

By Sheain Fernandopulle   

A sum of Rs. 100 million has been allocated for the import of 14 critical drugs in a bid to address the acute shortage of drugs in the country. Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella addressing a news briefing at the Health Ministry said yesterday he had made an assessment on the matter in collaboration with the Finance Secretary to the Ministry of Finance S. R. Attygalle in order to import critical drugs.   

 “Accordingly, we have prepared a plan for the next six months, when 14 critical drugs will be imported. Thus, there won’t be a shortage of drugs in future as we give priority to other drugs as well.   

However, the Minister admitted that there was a delay in importing the drugs due to the forex crisis.   
“75 per cent to 80 per cent of drugs are imported from India while five per cent from China, another five to 10 per cent is from Bangladesh and Pakistan while very few from Europe,” Rambukwella added.   

Responding to the allegations levelled by the Opposition that Sri Lanka gets inferior drugs from India, the Health Minister said there was no truth in them and the drugs the Government imports, meet the required standard.   

• 75 per cent to 80 per cent of drugs are imported from India while five per cent from China, another five to 10 per cent is from Bangladesh and Pakistan while very few from Europe