NGO donates drugs for IDPs

B. M. Mukthar - Beruwala Special Correspondent

International Relief and Development Sri Lanka (IRD), a USA based Non Governmental Organization, has donated Rs. 115 million worth essential pharmaceuticals to the Sri Lanka Government for the Internally Displaced Persons in the North of Sri Lanka.

The presentation was made to the Minister of Healthcare and Nutrition, Nimal Siripala de Silva at the Ministry. The items include antibiotics, antibacterial drugs, anti malaria drugs, antifungal, and oral dehydration salts.

IRD has been working in Sri Lanka since 2004 and currently carrying out a school program on construction and renovating water and sanitation facilities, promoting health and hygiene programs and distributing milk sachets to children and made many contributions during the tsunami on providing clean and safe drinking water and sanitation facilities, health and construction programs to affected people.

Country Director of IRD M. H. M. Munas, and Health Coordinator of IRD Dr. Nachinarkinen, handed over the bulk of drugs to the Minister of Health.

The Minister requested them to support the promoting of healthcare facilities of IDPs.

"We have a problem regarding the accommodations of doctors who work in the Vavuniya and other areas. We have to spend more money for that. At least we need Rs. 3.5 million for the accommodation for doctors.