Sri Lankan government to import 14 essential drugs for cancer treatment

The Sri Lankan government is to import 14 essential drugs that are in short supply for the treatment of cancer patients in the country.

Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena has instructed Health Secretary Dr. Ravindra Ruberu to take immediate steps to import the essential drugs.

The Minsiter had issued the directive due to the failure of the Indian supplier to send the required essential drugs for cancer treatment.

Minister Sirisena had reportedly found out about the severe shortage of drugs at the Maharagama National Cancer Institute during a recent tour.

Meanwhile, Sirisena has instructed the State Pharmaceuticals Manufacturing Corporation to explore the possibility of locally manufacturing these drugs.