News
Worries arise over shortage of vital Meropenem Injections for treating bacterial infections
By Rathindra Kuruwita
Concerns have emerged regarding the availability of Meropenem injections, a crucial treatment for bacterial infections, as Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa, co-convener of the National Movement of Health Professionals (NMHP), revealed that only about 1.8 vials of this essential medication are expected to be in the health ministry’s stores by next week. This revelation comes despite recent efforts to procure Meropenem injections on an emergency basis.
Dr. Sanjeewa said that on average, the monthly consumption of Meropenem injections hovers around 50,000 to 60,000 vials, indicating that there should be an ample supply to meet demand. In fact, based on current usage rates, the available stockpile could theoretically last for nearly three years.
“So, the question arises: why is the State Pharmaceutical Corporation (SPC) actively seeking additional supplies of Meropenem injections?” Dr. Sanjeewa queried during a media briefing held on Thursday (28).
The situation has raised eyebrows within the medical community, with healthcare professionals and organizations expressing their concerns. Ravi Kumudesh, President of the College of Medical Laboratory Science (CMLS), asserted that the primary issue at the health ministry revolves around the ineffective utilization of resources.
“The quality of management at the health ministry has deteriorated significantly, and the current situation appears to be worse than ever. There was notably less corruption in the management of resources before the economic crisis,” Kumudesh said.
The Chartered Computer Institute of Sri Lanka was established in 1976 as the premier and sole body representing professionals in the Information and Communication Technology sector in Sri Lanka. It has recognized the importance of establishing the Sri Lanka Chartered Computer Association as the main professional organization to act on behalf of the interests of professionals representing the computer sector in Sri Lanka, which should be treated equally with other professional organizations that have obtained chartered status and other formal recognition.
Accordingly, taking into account a resolution furnished by the Hon. President, the Cabinet of Ministers has decided to grant policy approval for the establishment of the Chartered Computer Institute of Sri Lanka and to instruct the Legal Draftsman to prepare a draft bill in line with the proposed objectives.
it has become essential to introduce appropriate revisions to the Drug Dependent Persons (Treatment and Rehabilitation) Act No 54 of 2007 so that a proper formal mechanism can be maintained in treatment and rehabilitation.
Accordingly, considering a resolution forwarded by the Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, the Cabinet of Ministers decided to grant the policy approval to revise the Drug Dependent Persons (Treatment and Rehabilitation) Act No 54 of 2007 and direct the Legal Draftsman to formulate a draft bill including the relevant amendments.
The Cabinet of Ministers approved the resolution furnished by the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation to appoint Mrs. O. T. M. I. Thilakarathne, the senior most officer in Sri Lanka Surveyors’ Service serving as an Additional Surveyor General of that Department to the Post of Surveyor General that will be vacant from 20.08.2026.
Thushara four-for, Udara fifty hand Kandy Royals first points
Charted Computer Institute of Sri Lanka to be established
Drug Dependent Persons (Treatment and Rehabilitation) Act No 54 of 2007 to be amendend
Mrs. O. T. M. I. Thilakarathne appointed to the Post of Surveyor General
Purchase of 600 buses for intercity / long distance services of the Sri Lanka Transport Board
Protection of Historical, Cultural, and Traditional Intellectual Property related to the Kandy Esala Perahera
‘Dates have the highest sugar content to fight Coronavirus’
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