Govt. to import drugs directly if pharmaceutical suppliers fail to supply orders promptly: Nalinda

• Government to maintain buffer stock sufficient for three to six months as a solution to future shortages 
• Some spread rumours about medicine shortages to make emergency purchases

By Ajith Siriwardana

Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa yesterday warned pharmaceutical suppliers to supply the orders promptly and that the government will intervene directly to procure medicines through government to government basis if the suppliers failed to do so.   

He told the weekly briefing to announce cabinet decisions that the government is planning to maintain a buffer stock sufficient for three to six months as a solution to future shortages.   

The Minister said the government is having discussions with seven countries on the procurement of drugs on a government to government basis.   

He said some people spread rumours about medicine shortages with vested interests to make emergency purchases and import drugs at higher rates.

The Minister admitted the fact that there could be medicine shortages at certain times and that it was due to issues in the orders made in the past.

“It takes at least nine months to receive a medicine stock after placing the orders. We are now receiving drugs on orders placed by the previous government,” he said.