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Emergency procurement of drugs hereafter will be guided by WHO procedures – Dr. Pathirana
‘Ministry cooperating with CID on Immunoglobulin probe’
By Shamindra Ferdinando
Health Minister Dr. Ramesh Pathirana yesterday (26) said that in case the government had to make emergency purchases, his Ministry would adhere to procedures laid down by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Dr. Pathirana said so when The Island asked him whether he intended to adopt the controversial emergency purchase procedures exploited allegedly by influential parties at the expense of the entire public health sector.
The Galle District lawmaker said that soon after he received the Health portfolio, he halted emergency procurement though the possibility of the government having to resume such purchases couldn’t be ruled out altogether.
Dr. Pathirana succeeded Keheliya Rambukwella on Oct 23 amidst the huge controversy over the procurement of fake Immunoglobulin, locally, while claiming the life-saving drug was ordered from a Gujarat producer. Both lawmakers represent the ruling Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP). The then President Gotabaya Rajapaksa brought in Rambukwella as the Health Minister in Aug 2021 at the height of the Covid-19 epidemic in the wake of criticism directed at the way Pavitra anniarachchi was handling the unprecedented health crisis.
Responding to another query, Dr. Pathirana said that his Ministry cooperated with the ongoing investigation undertaken by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). “We have given them access to files and documents,” Dr. Pathirana said,
adding that a speedy conclusion of the investigation would help restore public confidence in the public health sector.
The matter is now before Maligakanda Magistrate Lochana Abeywickrema. Former Health Secretary Janaka Sri Chandragupta, a Special Grade Officer of the Administrative Service, who had authorized immediate payments for ‘Rituximab’ (another cancer drug), supplied by the same fraudulent tenderer, is to be produced before the Maligakanda Magistrate today (27) from remand custody.
In addition to Chandragupta, who was taken in on Dec 18, the CID, on Nov 20, arrested Director, Medical Supplies Division, Dr. Kapila Wickremenayake, Assistant Director Devashantha Soloman, Accountant (Supplies) Neran Dhananjaya, and the Stock Controller of the Medical Supplies Division Sujith Kumara, in connection with the high profile scam.
The proprietor of Isolez Biotech Pharma AG Sugath Janaka Fernando alias Aruna Deepthi was taken in on Oct 31. He was the first to be arrested in this connection.
Dr. Pathirana said that the Ministry was in the process of addressing issues at hand, some on a priority basis, in line with their overall objective to provide quality medicine without interruptions. Pointing out that a large amount of money had been allocated to the Health Ministry, through the 2024 Budget, Dr. Pathirana said that the supply chain was being strengthened, with recent payments made to the suppliers.
Dr. Pathirana also emphasized the urgent need to enhance the capacity of the National Medicines Quality Assurance Laboratory (NMQAL) meant to ensure product quality, safety and efficacy requirements. The Minister disclosed the possibility of securing the WHO’s assistance in this regard while explaining ongoing efforts to reach consensus on an action plan.
Commenting on medical assistance received from abroad, Dr. Pathirana said that the country really appreciated such donations. The Minister said that foreign governments and other parties had provided medicines as requested by the government. But, there had been some instances of some medicines not really required here ending up in Colombo, Dr. Pathirana said, underscoring the pivotal importance of working out proper advance evaluation procedures in respect of such donations.
Dr. Pathirana pointed out that one of the major issues was the short expiry period of some of the medicines received as grants.
The Minister politely declined to comment further on what he called the Immunoglobulin affair as the matter was now being dealt by courts, which makes it sub judice.
Meanwhile, Director General of Health Services (DGHS) Dr. Asela Gunawardena said, as requested by relevant authorities, the CID received access to files/documents which were under his authority. The DGHS said so when The Island asked him whether the CID questioned him in this regard. The official stressed that he was not in any way involved in the procurement process.
Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi departed today (06) from Air Force Base Anuradhapura concluding his State visit to Sri Lanka. The Indian Premier embarked on a tour to Sri Lanka at the invitation from President Anura Kumara Disanayake.
This visit underscores the enduring relationship encapsulated by the theme “Friendship of Centuries, Commitment to a Prosperous Future,” further solidifying the bonds between India and Sri Lanka.
This marks Prime Minister Modi’s fourth visit to Sri Lanka, which has further enhanced the economic, cultural, and historical relations between the two nations, while also reinforcing their multifaceted partnership. This visit by the Indian Prime Minister reinforces Sri Lanka’s important role in India’s “Neighbourhood First Policy” and ‘MAHASAGAR’ vision concerning diplomatic relations.
This state visit is anticipated to yield significant results on various collaborative initiatives, fostering a path towards mutual growth and development. The citizens of Sri Lanka will soon be able to witness the fruitful outcomes of these partnerships, and Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s visit will mark a significant milestone in the government’s pursuit of sustainable development focused on the needs of the people.
Accompanying Indian Prime Minister Modi were Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and a delegation of senior officials from the Indian government.
[PMD]
Latest News
President Dissanayake and Indian PM Modi jointly commission upgraded Maho-Omanthai railway line & Maho-Anuradhapura railway signalling system
The upgraded Maho–Omanthai railway line and the newly installed Maho–Anuradhapura railway signalling system were officially commissioned by Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and President Anura Kumara Disanayake today (06)
The Prime Minister of India is currently visiting Sri Lanka at the invitation of President Anura Kumara Disanayake, reinforcing the longstanding bond encapsulated in the theme “Friendship of Centuries Commitment to a Prosperous Future” between the two nations.
Highlighting one of the key aspects of this visit, the two leaders participated in these inaugural ceremonies. The President and the Prime Minister of India jointly unveiled the commemorative plaque and commissioned the railway line and signalling system.
The upgraded Maho-Omanthai Railway Line project was carried out with funding through the Indian Credit Line, totalling an investment of US$ 91.27 million. The Maho–Anuradhapura railway signalling system, established as a result of President Disanayake’s recent visit to India, was funded by the Indian Government at a cost of USD 14.89 million.
[PMD]
Latest News
Prime Minister Modi and President Dissanayake pay homage to the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi
Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, currently on a State visit to Sri Lanka, along with President Anura Kumara Disanayake paid homage to the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura this morning (06) and received blessings.
Following his visit to the sacred site, Prime Minister Modi proceeded to the Udamaluwa, where he met with the Chief Incumbent of the Atamasthanadhipathi and Chief Sanghanayake of Nuwarakalaviya, Most Venerable Dr. Pallegama Hemarathana Nayaka Thera, for a cordial discussion.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister shared that relics of the Buddha were discovered in excavations conducted in his home state of Gujarat during the 1960s. He further stated that he would discuss with the President of Sri Lanka the possibility of exhibiting these sacred relics in Sri Lanka.
Responding to a request made by the Atamasthanadhipathi to develop Bodh Gaya as a spiritual city, Prime Minister Modi assured that he would take the necessary steps after discussions with President Disanayake and work towards making it a reality.
The Maha Sangha, led by the Atamasthanadhipathi, chanted Seth Pirith and invoked blessings on the Indian Prime Minister.
The Indian Prime Minister also left a commemorative note in the special guest book at the site. In addition, he formally declared open the newly constructed ‘Makara Thorana’ within the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi premises.
The occasion was also attended by Chief Incumbent of the Ruwanweli Maha Seya Temple Ven. Ethalawetunawewe Gnanathilaka Thera and other Atamasthana Viharadhipathi Theras, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath, Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development, Wasantha Samarasinghe, Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, North Central Province Governor Wasantha Jinadasa, Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha and others.
[PMD]
Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi concludes State Visit to Sri Lanka
President Dissanayake and Indian PM Modi jointly commission upgraded Maho-Omanthai railway line & Maho-Anuradhapura railway signalling system
Prime Minister Modi and President Dissanayake pay homage to the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi
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