• The estimated annual import cost of importation is about USD 6 million

By Kelum Bandara 

Health authorities have finally been able to secure sufficient US dollars to import the medicinal drug ‘ Tenecteplase’ used for the treatment of blood clots of heart patients, a Minister said. The country is currently facing a shortage of this medication.

However, State Minister of Production, Supply, and Regulation of Pharmaceuticals Prof.  Channa Jayasumana told Daily Mirror that the Letter of Credit was opened through the National Savings Bank yesterday to import a consignment of this medicine for the treatment of patients suffering from blood clots. Sri Lanka needs around 10,000 of them for a year. The annual import cost is USD 6 million. “We will import a consignment required for three months at this hour,” he said.