Let no obstacle stand in the way of the right medicine - Open letter to the Health Minister

We are patients, some with chronic ailments, who had hoped that the Mahinda Chintanaya, that promised a better deal for the country, would lose no time in implementing the National Medicinal Drugs Policy.

We want to know what exactly is preventing its implementation? The only reason seems to be bribery and corruption - now the national characteristic. The Health Minister, would know how much the poor are fleeced by doctors and pharmacists. The cost of medicine for one sick member means the rest of the family have to forego their basic necessities.

We urge the architects of the Mahinda Chintanaya to take action to make the National Medicinal Drug Policy the one and only relevant health policy operating in this country. And obstacles in the way of its implementation should be removed forthwith - be they ministers, secretaries, drug companies, pharmacies, etc.

Let the citizens assert themselves and refuse to remain downtrodden by the rich and powerful – whatever name they call themselves - all seemingly corrupt to the core.

By D.S. Weerakoon, Colombo 8.