Dearth of more than 500 drugs in the country

There is an existing shortage of more than 500 drugs including some essential drugs in the country, the Government Medical Officers' Association (GMOA) highlighted yesterday.

It stressed despite the instructions of Health Minister Pavithra Wanniarachch, the actions taken by the officials of the State Pharmaceuticals Corporation, Central Medical Stores and the National Medicines Regulatory Authority were not satisfactory.

The GMOA urged the relevant authorities to pay urgent attention to this and take apposite actions to rectify this situation in such backdrop where Sri Lanka is battling to do away with coronavirus. (Sheain Fernandopulle)