Conspiracy to sabotage drug imports: Minister

By Shane Seneviratne   

Minister of Health Keheliya Rambukwella said a politically motivated conspiracy was being hatched to sabotage the import of drugs and several government doctors were involved.   

He told media on Sunday that about Rs. 60 billion has yet to be paid to the suppliers and that it had affected the import of drugs. He said the cabinet had approved the issue of bonds to the suppliers to avoid this obstacle.   

 The minister said he was hopeful that the shortage of drugs could be reduced by 90 percent by the next quarter of the year.    “However, a handful of individuals are making accusations that drugs imported by unregistered companies would adversely affect the patients. The ministry is prepared to take up its responsibility.