Govt. to purchase 85,000 units of insulin this week to meet demand

Colombo, December 4 (Daily Mirror) - Following reports of a shortage of Mixtard insulin, the Medical Supplies Division of the Health Ministry has taken measures to purchase 85,000 units this week to meet the immediate demand in hospitals across the country.  

Medical Supplies Deputy Director General Dr. G. Wijesuriya said that the current insulin shortage situation is now under control.  

“We have already taken steps to resolve the issue. We obtained supplies from other market sources as an initial measure, purchasing 7,500 units of Mixtard insulin. Another 5,000 units are due to arrive shortly. Additionally, we have arranged to purchase 85,000 units within this week, which will be sufficient to address the temporary shortage,” Dr. Wijesuriya said.  

He added that the supply is expected to return to normal within three weeks.  

Dr. Jayatissa explained that the shortage was caused by delays in the procurement process but assured that measures have been taken to rectify the situation.  

“We only need to source insulin units for the next three weeks. After that, the supply will normalise. The issue arose due to procurement delays, and we have taken steps to address these shortcomings,” the Minister said.