Drug prices slahsed – Rajitha
Health and Indigenous Medicine Minister Dr. Rajitha Senaratne said in Kandy on Saturday the government had to spend a lot of money to maintain the health service.
Minister Dr. Rajitha Senaratne said so at the opening of the Osusala Branch of the State Pharmaceutical Corporation (SPC) at the Peradeniya University.
This was the practice until the Yahapalana administration came to power, Dr. Senaratne said.
Dr. Senaratne said that with effect from first of September prices of ten expensive medicinal drugs and two medical instruments had been reduced.
The minister said that 95 percent of drugs for cancer had been purchased by the government and only five percent had come from the private sector. The medicine was so expensive that the patient could not afford. The government spent Rs. 7 billion for purchasing the anti-cancer drugs, he said.
Vice chancellor of University of Peradeniya Professor Upul B. Dissanayake, Director General of Helath Services Dr. Anil Jayasinghe, Professor Asitha de Silva and Dr. Kamal Jayasinghe were also present.
(Source: The Island – By Cyril Wimalasurendre)
Latest Headlines in Sri Lanka
- Audit reveals misuse of electric vehicle permits for migrant workers in Sri Lanka November 23, 2024
- IMF approves third review: Sri Lanka secures $333 million tranche under EFF November 23, 2024
- Sri Lankan President urges accountability and unity for a better future November 23, 2024
- IMF third review talks with Sri Lanka successfully conclude November 22, 2024
- Professor Gomika Udugamasooriya appointed Senior Advisor to President on Science and Technology November 22, 2024
