Health Minister Dr. Rajitha Senaratne has been considering the possibility of importing a new drug which can fight against heart attacks and save patients more effectively, Health Ministry sources said.
According to sources, heart patients can be saved by administering the drug within three hours of suffering the attack. The drug can be administered at any mobile clinic or at any hospital. At present, the drug is sold at a Rs.120,000.
“The minister will make arrangements to hold discussions and coordinate with the relevant parties to import the drug to Sri Lanka for a lesser price than Rs.120,000,” sources said.
Discussions were held in connection with developing the Heart Unit of the Colombo General Hospital.
“Minister Senaratne instructed Acting Health Services Director General Dr.Jayasundara Banadara to provide adequate facilities for heart patients seeking treatment from the unit, sources added.
