India Provides Critical Medicines to Sri Lanka
Colombo – In response to a pressing request from Sri Lanka, India has delivered much-needed medicines to support the nation’s healthcare system. The Indian High Commission announced this development on Thursday.
India has sent 50,000 ampoules of Furosemide injection (20mg/2ml) to help alleviate the shortage of this essential medication in Sri Lankan hospitals. These supplies were officially handed over by Santosh Jha, the Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, to Nalinda Jayatissa, the Minister of Health and Mass Media.
The Indian High Commission highlighted India’s role as a dependable partner for Sri Lanka during challenging times. “India has been a trusted friend and first responder for Sri Lanka, especially in the health sector,” the statement read.
This donation follows a history of support from India to Sri Lanka, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic. In May 2020, India airlifted over 25 tonnes of medicines to the island. Additionally, India provided 500,000 doses of the Covishield vaccine in January 2021 and delivered 100,000 Rapid Antigen Test kits in February 2022.
Amid Sri Lanka’s economic challenges, India established a USD 1 billion credit facility in March 2022 to supply essential items, including medicines, which has been extended upon the Sri Lankan government’s request.
In April and May of 2022, India sent over 26 tonnes of medical supplies to several hospitals, including Peradeniya University Hospital and Jaffna Teaching Hospital, to help address severe medication shortages.
India’s commitment to supporting Sri Lanka’s health sector is evident through various development initiatives, such as the island-wide ‘1990 Suwa Seriya’ ambulance service, the construction of a multi-specialty hospital in Dickoya, and ongoing infrastructure improvements in several hospitals, including the Jaffna Teaching Hospital and those in Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu.
