Purchase and distribution of pharmaceuticals is being streamlined – Dr Ramesh Pathirana

Minister of Industries Dr Ramesh Pathirana who was handed the health portfolio a few days ago said that the ministry had discontinued  purchasing medicine from unregistered suppliers and was in the process of streamlining the procurement and distribution process.

He said that the shortage of pharmaceuticals at government hospitals had arisen because the ministry was unable to settle what it owed registered suppliers and was compelled to make purchases from unregistered suppliers on credit. He added that even as at date the Ministry owed suppliers about Rs. 31 billion.