The Doctors’ Union Alliance for Medical and Civil Rights has raised concerns that the controversial cabinet papers previously submitted by former Health Minister Ramesh Pathirana, regarding the importation of medicines, may be revised and resubmitted to the president through the current health minister.
At a press conference in Colombo today (09), Dr. Chamal Sanjeeva, president of the alliance, pointed to the second rejection of a memorandum presented by Health Minister Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya to the Cabinet, which aimed to secure 305 types of drugs from local manufacturers for the year 2025, as evidence of deeper issues.
Dr. Sanjeeva emphasized that the current health ministry, its minister, and the president bear an unshakable responsibility to reform a system that has been under the control of the same group of officials for the past 15 to 20 years.
“To ensure the availability of medicines for the year 2025, all aspects, including orders, procurement, and purchase mechanisms, must be properly managed. Yet, these critical elements are being ignored, and instead, questionable cabinet papers are being prepared and potentially submitted to the president under misleading circumstances. This is reminiscent of the actions taken by former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, who bypassed proper procurement protocols to benefit select companies,” Dr. Sanjeeva explained.
He also warned that if the necessary drug supply networks for 2025 are not properly established, the country could face a serious shortage of essential medicines next year.
