President orders import of Molnupiravir to treat COVID patients

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa yesterday instructed State Minister Prof. Channa Jayasumana to import the new drug Molnupiravir, prescribed in several countries including UK to treat Covid-19 patients. It will be imported through the State Pharmaceutical Corporation (SPC).

The President gave the instructions at the meeting of the Special Committee on COVID-19 Control.

President Rajapaksa also instructed health officials to launch a mobile vaccination service to administer a booster dose to people over the age of 60 who had received their second dose three months prior.

It was also decided to give the third dose to those over the age of 20, who were suffering from non-communicable diseases. Accordingly, the third dose of the vaccine will be given to cancer patients, persons who are undergoing cancer treatment, transplant patients, haemorrhagic patients, and all those patients with weakened immune systems due to a non-communicable diseases.

Director General of Health Services Dr. Asela Gunawardena said those in such categories could obtain the third dose at the respective clinic or at the Office of the Medical Officer of Health (MOH) in the area every Saturday.

When Committee members spoke about the lack of concern among the people in rural areas about the risk posed by COVID, the President said necessary steps should be taken to control the spread of the virus in such areas.

Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, State Ministers Sisira Jayakody and Channa Jayasumana, Health Ministry Secretary Major General Dr. Sanjeewa Munasinghe and Commanders of the three Armed Forces, the Inspector General of Police and other officials were also present at the meeting.