Minister of Health Nalinda Jayatissa says an intelligence report has been received regarding some politically involved groups attempting to sabotage the government’s efforts to improve the health sector.
Addressing the weekly post-Cabinet media briefing today, Minister Jayatissa said that the government will not allow such interference.
“Some of these people are directly connected to some political parties, some are members of parties, and some are behind certain companies, receiving salaries. They are threatening and obstructing the work of certain genuine doctors. They are using social media to threaten families of doctors and instigate transfers. We have received an intelligence report on this,” he said.
Responding to questions on the medicine and surgical equipment fraud being carried out by certain specialist doctors at state hospitals, the Health Minister said that currently, three methods are followed to provide medicines to hospitals.
He said, firstly, specialist doctors compile a list of medicines needed for their patients and inform the Health Ministry.
“Currently, the Health Ministry follows this process and provides medicines through the Medical Supplies Unit. Through the Health Ministry, we are providing 862 types of medicines and 12,444 surgical equipment. The State Pharmaceutical Corporation (SPC) has submitted tenders for the procurement of 432 medicines and 5906 surgical equipment as of now. This is the standard procedure,” he said.
Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said that secondly, if there is a delay on the Health Ministry’s end, then there is a system where heads of institutions at the district level can purchase medicines.
“Commonly known as local purchase. We cross-check if the medicines are available in our storage and if we can manage this with a new order. If we can’t do these, then we go for a local purchase,” he said.
The Health Minister went on to note that thirdly, sometimes, specialist doctors recommend the purchase of certain medicines from outside to relatives of patients or patients.
“Patients and their relatives buy the medicine at a nominal cost after checking with various pharmacies. This was followed in a very minimal manner,” he said.
Minister Jayatissa pointed out that, however, an issue has arisen, with specialist doctors recommending the purchase of medicine or surgical equipment from a particular pharmacy, which is selling the products at inflated prices.
“This is fraud. Investigations are underway into such incidents,” he added. (Newswire)