Minister of Health Dr. Keheliya Rambukwella gave instructions to the relevant officials today (02) to speed up the vaccination process to control the resurging COVID-19 epidemic situation.
The Minister pointed out that the same way the country was able to control the epidemic through the successful vaccination process in the situations where many countries around the world were in severe crisis due to this disease, those methods should be implemented very actively again.
The Minister said this when he chaired a special discussion today at the Ministry of Health regarding the current health conditions in the country including Covid and dengue.
Health Minister said that in view of the current Covid situation, the President has given instructions to focus the attention of the health sector on preventing the occurrence of a Covid epidemic again in the country.
Also, the Minister gave instructions to the health departments to implement the necessary program at the district and regional health medical officer division level, paying special attention to controlling the dengue disease that is currently spreading in the country.
The Minister of Health requested the officials to advise and educate the people who come to see the Esala Perahera Festivals, which are held after many years, to follow the correct health habits.
He said that attention should also be paid to the issuance of health guidelines in a way that does not hinder the tourism industry which is being rebuilt.
Minister Rambukwella pointed out that health departments should pay special attention to protect school children from Covid and dengue conditions and for this, programs should be prepared together with the education authorities.
Dr. DRK Herath, Deputy Director General of the Medical Supply Department speaking at the meeting pointed out that there was a shortage of 381 essential medicines in Sri Lanka, but so far the shortage has been reduced to 114 medicines.
He also said that all the 14 life-saving medicines are currently available in the country and orders for the necessary medicines are being received.
Janaka Sri Chandragupta, Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Director General of Health Services Dr. Asela Gunawardena and Deputy Director Generals participated in this.
