Drugs shortage to be resolved by March; GMOA also accountable for drug crisis : Minister Senaratne

Minister (Dr) Rajitha Senaratne has said that the issue pertaining to the shortage of drugs would be resolved by March.

Addressing the establishment of the Youth Politburo of the Rajitha Senaratne Foundation last week, the Minister said that a shortage of drugs had arisen due to the 51-day political crisis in the country.

“Over the last three years, I have ensured that medicines were supplied without any shortage” the Health Minister emphasised adding that it would however take some time to restore the shortage back to normalcy.

Mr. Senaratne further said that the prices of 73 essential drugs have been reduced while a maximum retail price will be imposed on 27 generic drugs in near future.

“Due to this reason, the prices of drugs belonging to 1,000 brands would be controlled,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Health Minister addressing an event in Pottuwil said that the Government Medical Officers Association (GMOA) is also to be blamed over the shortage of drugs.

“The Health Ministry during the 51-day crisis was functioning on the advice of the GMOA” he claimed while addressing the opening ceremony of a newly-constructed three-storeyed ward at the Pottuwil Base hospital.

On the same lines he said that it was the officials of the GMOA who were surrounding the Health Minister at that time.

"Ultimately the Minister also became fedup of these officials" claimed Mr. Senaratne.