Shortage of Meningococcal vaccine used for Meningitis: Sajith

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa said the meningococcal vaccine used for Meningitis is in short supply in government hospitals for about a year and that it is a serious issue as there is an outbreak of Meningitis in the Galle prison at present.

He told Parliament that the meningococcal vaccine needs to be administered to Hajj pilgrims as well.

Raising an oral question under Standing Order 27/2, the Opposition Leader said it is reported that the World Health Organisation (WHO) had supplied a stock of meningococcal vaccine and that the Health Ministry has failed to clear the stock from the Customs.

Health Minister Keheliya Rambuwella said he would answer the questions raised by the Opposition Leader on a future date. (Ajith Siriwardana and Yohan Perera)