A Russian delegation led by Health Minister Mikhail Murashko will undertake a three-day visit to Sri Lanka in May.

According to the Ministry of Health, Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko will be in Sri Lanka on an official visit from 03 – 05 May. 

During the visit, the Russian Health Minister will hold discussions with his Sri Lankan counterpart, Nalinda Jayatissa.

The Russian delegation will hold discussions on strengthening relations and cooperation between Russia and Sri Lanka in the health sector.

The delegation is also scheduled to hold talks with Foreign Affairs Vijitha Herath, according to the Ministry of Health and Mass Media.

On May 4, the Russian Health Minister and his delegation will visit the Colombo National Hospital and the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Colombo. 

The two countries also intend to reach agreements between their health ministries, the Health Ministry added. (Newswire)

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All Ceylon Makkal Congress (ACMC) Leader, MP Rishad Bathiudeen, has called for the immediate intervention of Minister of Health, Nalinda Jayatissa, to protect the constitutional rights of Muslim women employed in the public health sector in the Trincomalee District.

In a letter addressed to the Health Minister, MP Bathiudeen highlighted growing concerns surrounding recent directives reportedly issued by the Provincial Director of Health Services – Eastern Province, instructing Muslim women health employees to refrain from wearing the Hijab, a traditional religious head covering, while on duty.

“This directive has caused significant distress among the affected women,” MP Bathiudeen wrote. “It directly contradicts their constitutionally protected rights to religious freedom, personal dignity, and cultural identity.”

MP Bathiudeen pointed out that for years, Muslim women in Trincomalee’s public health services have been performing their duties diligently while wearing the Hijab, with no impact on their professional responsibilities or work performance. 

He said that the sudden change in policy has sparked outcry from civil rights advocates and community members alike.

MP Bathiudeen emphasized the following key points in his appeal to the Health Minister:

• Religious freedom is guaranteed under Article 10 and Article 14(1)(e) of the Constitution of Sri Lanka.
• The Hijab does not interfere with the execution of medical or administrative duties.
• Cultural and religious diversity must be respected in the workplace, especially within a pluralistic society.
• The request is not for a new privilege, but for the continuation of an accepted and long-standing practice.

Calling for swift action, the MP urged the Minister to issue a clear directive allowing Muslim women to wear religious attire in the workplace, within reasonable health and safety parameters.

“Your intervention would not only uphold constitutional values but also send a powerful message of inclusion and respect,” he added. 

The letter has been welcomed by human rights groups and Muslim community organizations, who argue that such restrictions could set a dangerous precedent if left unaddressed. (Newswire)

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Health Minister Nalinda Jayathissa confirmed that a drug once priced at Rs. 76,000 is now available for Rs. 359, which he said was the result of monopolistic practices and the influence of a “drug mafia.”

Responding to questions raised by Newswire, the Health Minister explained that the issue is a result of monopolistic practices, where usually only one company is registered to import the particular drug.

“Either other companies are barred from registration, or, even when multiple companies are registered, the drug is effectively imported by just one company,” he said.

At the time the drug was imported there was no pricing formula and the government had purchased the medicines at the price determined by the companies, the Health Minister said.

“From 2019 to 2023, Rs. 342.49 million were spent to purchase this Papuvarine injection. This was at various price points from Rs. 58,000, 62,000, 64,000 and 76,000

The Minister noted that regulatory changes at the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) have since addressed the issue. 

The NMRA’s Pricing Committee now reviews regional prices before renewing drug registrations, a requirement introduced after the drug was first registered in 2018.

The Health Minister further said that the company involved is politically connected, and an investigation will be launched to determine how approvals were granted under the previous system. (Newswire)

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Minister of Health Ramesh Pathirane has issued new directives to Health Sector officials on the purchase of medicines. 

Instructions have been issued to bring only registered medicines into Sri Lanka and in the event of no registered medicines, to check the necessary data on the said drugs and purchase them with the approval of the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA).

The directive was issued to officials from the NMRA, State Pharmaceuticals Corporation, State Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Corporation, and Institutes of Medical Supply Division during a discussion with senior officials of the Ministry of Health today (Nov 01).

Health Minister Ramesh Pathirane warned that if someone acts outside of the above system, necessary measures will be taken against them. 

Officials were informed to suspend the purchase of drugs under emergency purchases and to arrange for the delivery of drugs that are in short supply as soon as possible through the prescribed method.

The Minister of Health further informed the relevant officials to pay attention to the essential drugs used for cancer, kidney diseases, etc., to maintain these drugs without shortage, and to constantly pay attention to all necessary drugs. (NewsWire)

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The government has taken a decision to recall retired doctors and specialists for service, Minister of Health Keheliya Rambukwella said.

According to media reports, Minister Rambukwella stated that the decision has been taken to address the shortage of doctors and specialists in the country.

The Health Minister further stated that the recalled retired doctors and specialists will be included into the health sector on a contract basis. 

He added that steps are being taken to present a proposal in this regard to the Cabinet of Ministers. 

The move comes as Sri Lanka’s health sector has seen a shortage of doctors and specialists due to many leaving the country as a result of the economic crisis. 

Several hospitals in the country have been sincerely impacted due to the doctors, especially specialists leaving the country. (NewsWire)

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Former Minister of Health Dr. P. M. B. Cyril has passed away after succumbing to injuries sustained in an elevator accident at his residence. 

According to The Aruna, the former Health Minister was 89 years at the time of his demise. 

He is reported to have sustained serious injuries after the elevator in his house collapsed from the third floor.

The former Minister passed away while receiving treatment at the hospital.

The accident had occurred when he inspected the recently renovated elevator along with his driver.

His driver who also sustained serious injuries in the incident is currently being treated in hospital. (NewsWire)

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