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World Bank to assist SL in purchasing essential medicines

Sri Lanka’s health sector is currently facing a shortage of essential drugs due to import restrictions in place following a foreign exchange shortage.

World Bank to assist SL in purchasing essential medicines

[Representational Image] File Photo

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.

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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.

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