• Govt. requests 7 countries for 113 drugs
• India, Indonesia, B’desh, Pak. to send lists of available drugs 

The Government of Sri Lanka is to enter into memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with eligible countries for the purchase of pharmaceuticals and medical appliances that are difficult to be supplied via the general supply chain, under a government-to-government basis, when it is essential, by entering into precise agreements between entities nominated by those Governments and the State Pharmaceuticals Corporation.

Speaking at the Cabinet media briefing yesterday (2), Cabinet Spokesperson, Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, stated that the Government has requested from seven countries on purchasing drugs, and that four of them have already expressed their willingness to supply. He also noted that the respective drugs must be registered and authorised by the drug regulatory bodies in those countries. He further said that 113 drugs have been requested from these countries based on the price and the availability of the medicines in each country. He also mentioned that a mechanism has been established under the national procurement system, adding that this initiative was taken due to issues in procuring drugs through regular suppliers. “Currently, India, Indonesia, Bangladesh, and Pakistan have expressed their consent and sent a list of available drugs,” he added.

The draft methodology pertaining to the same has been prepared by the senior officials committee appointed – following approval granted by the Cabinet of Ministers in May to prepare a methodology to select countries with a probability to obtain pharmaceuticals in shortage under a Government-to-Government basis, and which is based on the observations and proposals of the said committee. The said draft methodology is to be directed to the National Procurement Commission.

Accordingly, the Cabinet granted approval on Tuesday (1) to the resolution furnished in this regard by the Minister of Health.