Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa met with India’s Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Jagat Prakash Nadda, and formally requested the Indian government’s support to address the ongoing shortage of essential medicines in Sri Lanka’s hospital system. Sri Lanka Latest News
This meeting marked another key engagement during Premadasa’s official visit to India.
Premadasa noted that although Sri Lanka has provided free healthcare for decades through its National Health System, the current scarcity of many essential and life-saving medicines has severely impacted the millions of citizens who rely on public hospitals.
Highlighting that some critical medicines are now only available through the private sector, the Opposition Leader emphasized the urgent need for maximum assistance to overcome the challenges faced by government hospitals. He also expressed Sri Lanka’s gratitude for India’s continued support.
Premadasa further thanked the Indian government for its contributions toward strengthening Sri Lanka’s healthcare infrastructure. He specifically recalled the introduction of the ‘1990 – Suwa Sariya’ ambulance service in 2016, initiated by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, noting that the service significantly enhanced the island’s emergency medical response network and stands as a “life-saving partnership.”
During the meeting, Premadasa and Minister Nadda engaged in an extensive discussion on collaborating to enhance public health services, expand pharmaceutical cooperation, and ensure uninterrupted access to essential medicines for all citizens. They also addressed the necessary measures to achieve these goals.
