News
Minister’s decision challenged
Ayurveda preparation ‘Sudarshana’ in state hospitals
The Sri Lanka Association of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics (SLACPT) yesterday said that they found it difficult to agree with a statement issued by the State Minister of Production, Supply and Regulation of Pharmaceuticals Prof. Channa Jayasumana, a professor of pharmacology himself, recommending the use of Ayurveda preparation Sudarshana in state hospitals.
The SLACPT has, in a media statement, said that although it had been tested on animals to show some physiochemical properties of the drug, there had been no data from human trials.
Therefore, such recommendations could only increase the sales of the drug with no proof of efficacy or safety, and encourage self-medication with possible harmful effects as well, the SLACPT has said.
Given below are excerpts of the SLACPT media statement:
“We appreciate the concern shown by the State Minister of Production, Supply and Regulation of Pharmaceuticals to find a remedy for the COVID-19 infection. This is especially relevant when no therapeutic agent, apart from dexamethasone in severely ill patients, has shown any significant beneficial effect in treating the disease as reported by the World Health Organisation (WHO).”
“In this background it is natural that attention is paid to the possible use of alternative forms of medicine. However before a drug is recommended for such use, it is imperative that its efficacy and safety in humans are tested and confirmed. Such recommendation is possible only after properly conducted Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) in humans by experts in the field according to the strict guidelines laid down by ICH-GCP, WHO and other regulatory authorities.”
” Our Association has done an in-depth survey of research literature looking for such credible trial evidence regarding the drug Sudarshana. Though there were few animal studies showing some physio-chemical properties of the drug, there were no data from human trials. Further, such recommendations can only increase the sales of the drug with no proof of efficacy or safety, and encourage self-medication with possible harmful effects as well.”
“It should also be noted that practitioners of allopathic medicine registered by the Sri
Lanka Medical Council (SLMC) are not supposed to prescribe other forms of medicine. We earnestly request the minister to reconsider his decision to recommend the use of this drug until proof of its efficacy and safety is available.”
The second day of the “Vesak Bhakti Gee Saraniya”, held in parallel with the “Buddha Rashmi Vesak Kalapaya” jointly organized by the Hunupitiya Gangaramaya Temple, the Presidential Secretariat and the Prime Minister’s Office, commenced on Tuesday (13) at 6:30 p.m. under the patronage of Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, at the Presidential Secretariat premises.
The evening featured musical performances by renowned vocalist Ilyas Beg and the Sri Lanka Air Force Bhakti Gee Troup, accompanied by the Air Force Band. A Vesak lantern exhibition was also held at the venue. The event was attended by the Chief Incumbent of Gangaramaya Temple Venerable Dr. Kirinde Assaji Thero, along with several senior officials of the Presidential Secretariat.
This Bhakthi Gee programme will continue today [May 14] and tomorrow at the same location. Additionally, a short-eats dansala is being held near the Presidential Secretariat for the benefit of the public visiting Colombo for Vesak, and will continue until May 16.
Meanwhile, a ‘Buth Dansala’ organized jointly by the Presidential Secretariat and the Sri Lanka Army was inaugurated yesterday near the Presidential Secretariat, with the participation of senior military officers. A large number of devotees from across the country attended the event.
In line with the ‘Buddha Rashmi’ and ‘Bauddhaloka Vesak Kalapya’, several Vesak programmes have been organized in the vicinity with the support of the Presidential Secretariat. These include the illumination of nearby government buildings and roads with decorative lights, and the display of Vesak lanterns, with the active participation of the Presidential Secretariat staff.
[PMD]
The French Navy Ship ‘BEAUTEMPS BEAUPRE’ which arrived in Sri Lanka on a goodwill visit (09 May 25), departed the island on Tuesday (13 May).
The Sri Lanka Navy bade customary farewell to the departing ship at the Port of Colombo, following naval traditions.
During the ship’s stay in Colombo, crew members of ‘BEAUTEMPS BEAUPRE’ visited some tourist attractions in the country. In addition, the Commanding Officer and a group of
crew members of the ship called on senior officers of the Sri Lanka National Hydrographic Office (SLNHO) to discuss key hydrographic matters of bilateral importance.
News
“Clean Sri Lanka” joins hands to Improve facilities and sanitation at Kotmale Regional Hospital
Following the bus accident in the Garandiella area of Kotmale, a large number of injured individuals were admitted to the Kotmale Regional Hospital for treatment. In response, the “Clean Sri Lanka” programme has collaborated to improve the facilities and sanitation of the hospital.
Accordingly, the “Clean Sri Lanka” programme actively worked to clean the hospital ward complex and the hospital premises, aiming to create a comfortable environment for the patients’ treatment and to enhance other facilities.
A notable aspect was the voluntary participation of the local community in this effort. The “Clean Sri Lanka” secretariat appreciates the dedication shown by the doctors and hospital staff of the Kotmale Regional Hospital, who provided emergency treatment to those injured in this unexpected incident despite having access to limited resources.
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