President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has issued directives to utilise the Rs.1.8 billion in the COVID-19 Fund to purchase essential medicines.
Many donations were received to the COVID-19 Fund during the coronavirus pandemic.
The President said the funds can be used to meet health requirements as the COVID-19 pandemic has been brought under control.
234 types of medicines required for hospitals are being manufactured locally and in view of the rapid increase in prices of medicines in the world market, the production of locally manufactured drugs will be expedited.
The President also discussed the possibility of obtaining necessary raw materials under the Indian loan facility.
The President made this observation during a discussion at the President’s House this morning pertaining to urgent matters in the health sector.
12 investors have come forward to manufacture drugs centred in Oyamaduwa and Millewa, Horana.
Officials stated that production is expected to commence in the next few months and has the potential to produce more than 200 types of drugs.
President Rajapaksa stated that the Ministry’s of Samurdhi and Education are planning to provide nutritious meals to primary school children and expectant mothers.
The President’s Media Division said the importation of medicines and medical equipment is being funded through several sources.
