Minister of Health Keheliya Rambukwella today revealed he would step down from his portfolio if his ministry is unable to resolve the financial issues pertaining to the procurement of essential medicines.
Speaking in Parliament, Minister Rambukwella stated that there were two key factors for the shortage of medicines in Sri Lanka at present.
“Firstly, there is an issue with receiving the necessary funding for the purchase of medicines. A meeting is scheduled with the Ministry of Finance to resolve the issue,” he said.
The Health Minister said secondly, certain court decisions are affecting the medicine procurement processes of the Ministry.
“We made a decision to amend the procurement process of medicines and also obtained Cabinet approval. However, a case has been filed at the Supreme Court seeking an order to suspend the purchasing of medicines through this process and the case is being heard. Such moves delay the Ministry’s actions to resolve issues,” he added.
Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella further stated that in the event, the Ministry is unable to acquire the necessary funds to resolve the issue of the medicine shortage, he does not intend to remain as the subject minister.
The Minister made the remarks in response to a question raised by Opposition Leader MP Sajith Premadasa. (NewsWire)