Sri Lanka, Sept. 22 -- Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa told Parliament that 33 of the country's 618 essential medicines are currently out of stock, while all 13 life-saving drugs remain available.

The Minister said the Health Ministry has introduced a priority list of 886 medicines considered necessary to ensure the continued daily operations of hospitals.

Responding to a question raised by SJB MP S.M. Marikkar, Jayatissa said 585 of the 618 medicines classified as essential are currently available at health institutions, while 33 are in short supply.

He added that the government has allocated funds to facilitate local purchases of medicines and minimize the impact of the shortages.

The Minister assured Parliament that steps ar...