Presidential Task Force to tackle health sector problems

by Ananda Kannangara

Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena will direct his attention to the setting up of the Presidential Task Force on Health (PTF) which is scheduled to hold its inaugural meeting on Tuesday (May 25).

Minister Sirisena told the Sunday Observer that the main objective of the PTF would be to eliminate the drug shortage currently existing at many Government hospitals. He said the PTF will also take appropriate action to control major epidemics including the dengue menace which has already claimed 72 lives during the first three months of this year.

Nearly 11,700 dengue patients have been reported from various parts of the country.

While assuring the elimination of the drug shortage from State hospitals very soon, the Minister said he would consult all relevant personalities in the field of medicine, including specialist doctors and health sector-affiliated trade union members, on the needs of essential drugs.

“Then, there will be no shortage of medicines in hospitals under any circumstances,” he said.

He said after assuming duties in his new portfolio, he promptly took measures to import 18 tonnes of saline from India.

Arrangements were also made to purchase another 97 varieties of essential drugs from India or any other country within the next few weeks.

Speaking on the dengue issue, the Minister said the control of dengue is not only in the hands of health officials, but is also the responsibility of the public.

“People should clean their environment and destroy dengue breeding grounds regularly, especially during the rainy season,” he said.

Minister Sirisena also said the Government has made an annual budgetary allocation of Rs. 80,000 million on the health services.

He said a Special Committee and a Consultative Council have also been appointed to obtain views, suggestions and proposals to improve the health service in the country.