Health Minister flags political plot to disrupt sector reforms

Thursday, 26 June 2025 00:10 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Health Minister

Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa

Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa asserts Govt. will not tolerate sabotage of health sector improvements
Cites intelligence report reveals political interference and private sector support
Urges doctors to steer clear of fraudulent practices in medicine procurement

By Charumini de Silva

Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa yesterday disclosed that an intelligence report has flagged attempts by certain politically affiliated groups to undermine the Government’s initiatives to improve and streamline the sector.

Addressing the weekly post-Cabinet meeting media briefing, he cautioned that the Government will not tolerate any such interference.

“Some of these people are directly connected to some political parties, some are members of parties, and some are behind certain companies, receiving salaries. They are threatening and obstructing the work of certain genuine doctors. They are using social media to threaten families of doctors and instigate transfers. We have received an intelligence report on this,” he said.

He also alleged that information has been received that there are certain companies also backing the propaganda.

The Minister called on specialist doctors not to fall victim to such agendas and to continue their work without fear, assuring that the Government would safeguard those who operate within proper guidelines. “This sabotage is intended to disrupt the system, but we will not let that happen,” he affirmed.

Responding to questions on the ongoing case on medicine and surgical equipment fraud by certain specialist doctors at State hospitals, Dr. Jayatissa said that currently, three methods are followed to provide medicines to hospitals.

He said, firstly, specialist doctors compile a list of medicines needed for their patients and inform the Health Ministry.

“Currently, the Health Ministry follows this process and provides medicines through the Medical Supplies Unit. Through the Health Ministry, we are providing 862 types of medicines and 12,444 surgical equipment. The State Pharmaceutical Corporation (SPC) has submitted tenders for the procurement of 432 medicines and 5,906 surgical equipment as of now. This is the standard procedure,” he said.

Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said that secondly, if there is a delay on the Health Ministry’s end, then there is a system where heads of institutions at the district level can purchase medicines, commonly known as a "local purchase."

"We cross-check if the medicines are available in our storage and if we can manage this with a new order. If we can’t do these, then we go for a local purchase,” he said.

The Health Minister went on to note that thirdly, sometimes, specialist doctors recommend the purchase of certain medicines from outside to relatives of patients or patients. “Patients and their relatives buy the medicine at a nominal cost after checking with various pharmacies. This was followed in a very minimal manner,” he said.

Minister Jayatissa pointed out that, however, an issue has arisen, with specialist doctors recommending the purchase of medicine or surgical equipment from a particular pharmacy, which is selling the products at inflated prices.

“This is fraud. Investigations are underway into such incidents,” he added.

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