• OPD treatment up by 42%   
• Health Ministry suspends emergency purchases of medicines   
• 67 drugs to be delivered free of charge from Bangladesh   

By Sheain Fernandopulle   
The overall admissions to leading government hospitals have gone up by 25% during the last nine months, said Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella.   
This was revealed by the Minister during a news briefing held yesterday (02) in Colombo.   
“In addition, the number of patients seeking treatment at Outpatient Department (OPD) has also increased by 42% during last nine months,” he said.    

“The rise can be attributed to a decrease in patients’ interest in seeking treatment at private hospitals,” he added.   
Meanwhile, Rambukwella announced the decision of the Health Ministry to suspend the emergency purchases of medicines.   

“The decision was taken following various hiccups associated with the emergency purchase, which resulted in misconceptions about the procedure,” he underscored.   
However, he said that although emergency purchases have been suspended, the process will be re-implemented in the event of any emergencies such as another pandemic.   
Meanwhile, the Minister stated that about 170 to 200 drugs are currently in shortage.   He also noted that a total of 67 drugs will be delivered from Bangladesh within this week as donations as a result of the recent discussions held at state level.