Given the ongoing socioeconomic situation in the nation and to address the identified drug shortage as highlighted by the Ministry of Health in Sri Lanka, Michelin Foundation channels support through the facility established by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Sri Lanka for the purpose of acquiring essential medications.
Today (26), in the presence of Dr. Anver Hamdani, Director Medical Technical Services, Coordinating In Charge/COVID-19, Ministry of Health, and Ms. Azusa Kubota, Resident Representative, UNDP in Sri Lanka, and Mr. Koenraad Pringiers, CEO of Michelin Lanka (formerly Camso Loadstar), additional representatives from partner organizations handed over the medications to the Ministry of Health.
The Minister of Health Keheliya Rambukwella made the following statement regarding the timely nature of the medicine purchase: “The Ministry of Health is grateful for the support provided in the procurement of life-saving medicines at a crucial time for the people of Sri Lanka, as part of the Ministry’s efforts to address the shortage of medicines through such collaborative efforts.”
Even though major steps have been done to close the identified gaps, the domestic healthcare market’s supply constraint has persisted since 2022.
Over 100 different drug types are reportedly in limited supply in government hospitals, and both the commercial and public sectors are reported to be running low on several basic and vital medications.
Ms. Azusa Kubota, Resident Representative, UNDP in Sri Lanka, emphasized the role of UNDP in facilitating procedures to strengthen the country’s healthcare system, saying, “Through the multi-sectoral platform which UNDP spearheaded, partners such as the Michelin Foundation came quickly together to respond to the acute needs of the people of Sri Lanka during these critical times. We are incredibly appreciative of the Michelin Foundation’s confidence in us to meet their demands. We were able to provide drugs quickly and efficiently thanks to UNDP’s broad worldwide procurement network.
Mr. Koenraad Pringiers made the following statement regarding the role of the private sector in assisting public sectors: “Michelin Lanka has a 40-year history of assisting the communities of Sri Lanka with numerous CSR programs that have benefited thousands of people. In order to further solidify the group’s tight ties with the nation, we were pleased to work with the UNDP to purchase the medications. We also thank the Michelin Corporate Foundation for their grant and support. Sri Lankans are strong people who want to overcome these challenging times. We are pleased to sponsor this endeavor.
