As a measure to manage the existing drug shortage due to the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak, the Health Ministry has given the green light to make emergency purchases of locally available stocks in the country. Health Ministry Medical Supplies Division (MSD) Director Dr. H.M.K. Wickramanayake told The Morning that the State Pharmaceutical Corporation (SPC) had already taken measures to import essential drugs from India. There was an issue in delivering the drugs which have already been ordered, due to the prevailing situation and especially due to India’s lockdown, Dr. Wickramanayake said, pointing out that there was a shortage of several essential medicines, which would be solved by the end of this month. Permission has been given to make emergency purchases until the already ordered stocks arrive, he noted. However, the MSD Director also noted that the requirement of some medicines has been less due to the delay in routine (medical) check-ups. In a statement issued by the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA), its Secretary Dr. Haritha Aluthge stated that the SPC, central drug supply division (Medical Supplies Division), and National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) had failed to act upon the instructions given by Health Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi. The Association has urged the Government to take the necessary action to provide essential drugs to hospitals. – Maheesha Mudugamuwa