Apeksha Hospital in Maharagama is yet to buy medicines in short-supply despite Sri Lanka Cricket having donated USD 500,000 (approx. Rs. 150 million) for the purpose.
Reliable sources said the Central Bank has already issued the relevant cheque to the Health Ministry.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe received the donation on September 16, which is just one of many contributions made by well-wishers after revelations were made of a shortage of medicines required for cancer patients.
The House was told during the debate on the votes of the Health Ministry on November 29 that half of the 40 medicines in short-supply were for cancer treatment.
According to the sources, the ministry is delaying the calling for tenders to purchase the medicines in order to go for emergency purchases that enable the pocketing of hefty commissions.
