Health Ministry move to buy more meropenem while 1.8 mn phials are in stock raises eyebrows

By Rathindra Kuruwita

About 1.8 million phials of meropenem injections, used to treat infections caused by bacteria, would be in the Health Ministry stores by next week, despite moves to purchase them on an emergency basis, Co-convener of the National Movement of the Health Professionals (NMHP), Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa told the media on Thursday (28).

He said that on average only 50,000 to 60,000 phials were used each month to treat patients.

“So, the stocks of meropenem we have at present are sufficient for three years. Why is the State Pharmaceutical Corporation seeking to purchase more meropenem ?” he asked.

President of the College of Medical Laboratory Science (CMLS), Ravi Kumudesh said the main problem at the health ministry was the underutilisation of its resources.

“The quality of management at the health ministry has taken a turn for the worse.”