The World Bank would provide assistance to Sri Lanka for the purchase required quantities of essential medicines for Sri Lanka’s health sector following a request made by the government, local media reported on Thursday.
During a discussion with World Bank’s Regional Director for Human Development in the South Asia region Lynne D. Sherburne-Benz, State Minister of Production, Supply and Regulation of Pharmaceuticals Channa Jayasumana had sought the assistance of the World Bank to ensure a continuous supply of medicinal drugs in Sri Lanka, reports Xinhua news agency.
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Considering this request, the World Bank’s regional director informed the State Minister that the World Bank will take it as a high priority and take immediate measures to provide assistance.
Sri Lanka’s health sector is currently facing a shortage of essential drugs due to import restrictions in place following a foreign exchange shortage.
Earlier this week, surgeries at a state hospital in the central hills of Kandy came to a halt for a day due to the lack of necessary drugs to perform operations, but it was resolved after the Health Ministry sent urgent supplies.