Sri Lanka is currently adhering to a programme to locally manufacture 40% of its medicine requirements, Minister of Health Keheliya Rambukwella said on Monday.

The Minister said that nearly 20% of the said requirement has been completed as of today.

Stating that a large sum used for the importation of medicines has been retained, Minister Rambukwella said this move is considered as a solution for the dollar crisis in Sri Lanka.

The Health Minister made the statement during a ceremony held to introduce three locally manufactured medicines to the local market via the State Pharmaceuticals Corporation (SPC).

The SPC announced the introduction of Levothyroxin 50mcg, Omeprazole 20 mg, and Mefenamic Acid 50 mg to the local market.

Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said that the medicines will be made available at government hospitals and private health institutions as well. (NewsWire)