PMRP: Working towards its vision

The People's Movement for the Rights of Patients - a multi-religious and multi-racial country-wide volunteer movement working to restore a health service where the well-being of patients is given priority - will hold its Annual General Meeting on Saturday August 25 at the CSR hall (within Fatima Church grounds) #284, Deans Road, Maradana from 10 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. To achieve this vision, the PMRP has been working towards some specific goals:

• Educate and empower people.
• The implementation of a National Medicinal Drugs Policy based on the hallowed Senaka Bibile principles of rational drug use and to make quality drugs available to all the people at affordable prices.
  The Health Ministry has given an assurance (Page 1 lead story in the Ceylon Daily News of August 1) that this policy will be effectively implemented this year.
• The implementation of a National Health Policy incorporating all systems of medicine.
• The formulation and implementation of a National Food and Nutrition Policy.
• The implementation of a comprehensive Patient's Charter.
• An amendment in the Constitution of Sri Lanka to declare health as a fundamental right.

The Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Constitutional Affairs are considering a draft amendment submitted to them by the PMRP in consultation with the Law and Society Trust. Those interested in this vision and goals, are invited to join PMRP members at the AGM on August 25. For further details please telephone: 4715896, 077 3613888, 5646853, 071 4900256 or 072 2333555.