No future drug shortage - Minister

Health Minister Maithreepala Sirisena said as the Government has provided sufficient financial grants for purchasing drugs there won't be a drug shortage in the future.

The Minister was speaking at a Hospital Directors Meeting held at the National Blood Centre on July 22 to discuss shortcomings at local hospitals. The Minister said that there are instances where patients were compelled to purchase some types of drugs from outside.

During 2008, the expenses for urgent drug purchases had exceeded the purchases made through tender procedures.

This is not satisfactory, he said.

The Minister said if a shortage prevails of an essential drug, it may be purchased from the outside market, but we should always follow the Tender procedures and manage with the State allocations.

He said under a new program with the Finance Ministry there will not be any shortage of funds as the People's Bank and Bank of Ceylon provide funds for drug purchases when required.

He stressed the importance of controlling Government funds provided to the Ministry and requested officers to maintain proper coordination among Institutes and Ministries.