Health Ministry confirms 88 Meningococcal vaccines in stock

By Sheain Fernandopulle  
Following recent claims by Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa regarding a shortage of the meningococcal vaccine in government hospitals for the past year, a senior health official told Daily Mirror that there are currently 88 vaccines available.  
Addressing concerns over the alleged shortage, the official said that there are six  vaccines in government hospitals and 82 in the Medical Supplies Division.  

As such, the official assured that the existing stock is sufficient for the current situation, which is not considered alarming.  
“However, the health ministry remains prepared to take necessary measures for vaccination when required,” he added.  
Premadasa raised the issue in Parliament yesterday (23), highlighting the importance of addressing the shortage, while particularly in light of an ongoing outbreak of Meningitis in the Galle prison. He said meningococcal vaccine used for Meningitis is in short supply in government hospitals for about a year