Press briefing of Cabinet Decision taken on 2012-02-22

Implementation of the Recommendations of the Cabinet Sub-Committee and the Standing Procurement Planning Committee for Pharmaceuticals

- a Cabinet Sub-Committee consisting of the following Ministers have already been appointed by the Cabinet to make recommendations on the procurement and supply process relating to pharmaceuticals, so as to ensure a smooth supply of pharmaceuticals in adequate quantities to Government hospitals:

The Cabinet Sub-Committee * Hon.(Prof.) Tissa Vitharana, Minister (Senior) for Scientific Affairs; * Hon. (Dr.) Sarath Amunugama, Minister (Senior) for International Monetary Co-operation; * Hon. Maithripala Sirisena, Minister of Health; * Hon. Susil Premajayantha, Minister of Petroleum Industries; and, * Hon. Patali Champika Ranawaka, Minister of Power and Energy.

A Procurement Planning Committee consisting of 05 officials has also been appointed to assist this Sub-Committee. Cabinet of Ministers granted approval in principle to the proposal made by Hon. Maithripala Sirisena, Minister of Health, to implement the recommendations made by this Cabinet Sub-Committee. Arrangements are to be made for the distribution of drugs required by hospitals, through the network of 27 sales outlets in the country, belonging to the State Pharmaceuticals Corporation.