The Government of India has gifted 50,000 ampoules of 20mg/2ml Furosemide injections to address the medicine shortage in Sri Lankan hospitals.
The donation was made in response to an urgent request from the Government of Sri Lanka, as confirmed by the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka.
The consignment was officially handed over by Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha, to Sri Lanka’s Minister of Health, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, at an event on March 13.
Senior officials from the Sri Lankan Government, including Health Secretary Dr. Anil Jasinghe and Director of Medical Supply Division Dr. Dedunu Dias, attended the event.
The Indian High Commission emphasized India’s role as a reliable partner in times of crisis, especially in the health sector, citing its past support during the COVID-19 pandemic.
India has previously provided over 25 tons of medicines, 500,000 doses of the Covishield vaccine, and Rapid Antigen Test kits to Sri Lanka in previous years.
In response to Sri Lanka’s ongoing economic crisis, India extended a USD 1 billion Credit Facility for essential supplies, including medicines, which has been renewed until March 2024.
India’s support also includes over 26 tons of medical supplies delivered to key Sri Lankan hospitals in 2022 to help address acute shortages.
The Indian High Commission noted that India’s development initiatives in Sri Lanka have included building hospitals, improving infrastructure, and providing medical equipment across the island.
