Health Ministry officials revealed to the Parliamentary Committee on Public Enterprises that the former Health Minister, Keheliya Rambukwella, instructed the import of substandard drugs from an Indian pharmaceutical company.
The information came to light during a committee hearing where health officials were questioned. One official stated that the Secretary to the Ministry had added the supplier, ‘Saverite’, at the behest of Minister Rambukwella. Former Health Ministry Secretary, Janaka Sri Chandragupta, confirmed that the supplier had proposed the deal to Minister Rambukwella.
During the proceedings, COPE Committee Chairman, Nishantha Samarawira, inquired about the reported shortage of 151 drugs and 5278 surgical instruments at the Medical Supplies Division.