Severe Thriposha shortage hits maternity and children’s hospitals

• Concerns raised over the recent transfer of the Thriposha Company which came under the purview of the Ministry of Health to the Ministry of Trade under Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe, following a special presidential announcement  

By Mangala Pavithrani   

There is a severe shortage of Thriposha in many maternity and children’s hospitals across the country, Chairman of the Federation of Medical and Civil Rights Doctors’ Trade Unions, Specialist Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa, said.   

Due to the shortage, Thriposha is currently provided only to severely malnourished children over the age of three, as well as mothers suffering from iron deficiency and underweight pregnant women.   

Dr. Sanjeewa said that children under three have not received Thriposha for several years. Despite announcements that the programme would be restarted, the government is yet to take action.   

He also raised concerns over the recent transfer of the Thriposha Company which came under the purview of the Ministry of Health to the Ministry of Trade under Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe, following a special presidential announcement. The Health Professionals Association has alleged that the move may be part of a plan to sell the company, and Dr. Sanjeewa urged the government to clarify the reason behind the transfer.