In a parliamentary session today (August 8), Health Minister Dr. Ramesh Pathirana reported a shortage of 52 medicines in government hospitals. He assured that efforts are underway to procure these medicines, and substitutes are available where necessary.
Dr. Pathirana emphasized that all essential life-saving medications are currently stocked in hospitals. He also announced plans to establish a national center for controlling non-communicable diseases. Furthermore, the minister revealed that nine new bills related to the health sector will be introduced in the near future. This update was shared during the second reading debate on the Medical Amendment Bill.