India helps alleviate medical supply shortage
In response to an urgent request from the Government of Sri Lanka, India has generously donated 50,000 ampoules of Furosemide injection (20mg/2ml) to alleviate Sri Lanka’s immediate medical supply shortage in hospitals.
The High Commissioner of India, Santosh Jha, delivered the consignment to the Minister of Health and Mass Media of Sri Lanka, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, at an event held at the Ministry of Health.
Dr. Anil Jasinghe, Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Dedunu Dias, Director of the Medical Supply Division, and other senior officials from the Government of Sri Lanka were present at the event.
India has consistently demonstrated its unwavering friendship and reliable support for Sri Lanka during challenging times, particularly in the healthcare sector.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, India’s commitment was evident when it provided over 25 tons of medicines via a special aircraft to Sri Lanka in May 2020. In January 2021, they generously gifted 500,000 doses of the Covishield vaccine.
Furthermore, in February 2022, India provided 1 lakh Rapid Antigen Test kits.
In response to the economic crisis in Sri Lanka, India extended a $1 billion Credit Facility in March 2022, which was subsequently extended until March 2024 at the request of the Sri Lankan Government.
In April-May 2022, India provided over 26 tons of drugs and other medical supplies to Peradeniya University Hospital, Jaffna Teaching Hospital, Hambantota General Hospital, and other institutions to address the acute shortage of essential medications.
India has also prioritised the health sector as a key focus area in its development cooperation initiatives in Sri Lanka.
Notable initiatives include the island-wide “1990 Suwa Seriya” ambulance service; the construction of a 150-bed multi-specialty hospital in Dickoya; the construction of a new surgical unit at Teaching Hospital, Batticaloa; infrastructure development and upgrades, as well as equipment supply, at Jaffna Teaching Hospital, District Hospitals in Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu, and other facilities.