US donates Rs. 330Mn worth of cancer drugs to Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka received cancer medicines valued at Rs. 330 million from Latter-day Saint Charities (LDSC), a US-based organisation connected to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Newswire reported that the handover to the Ministry of Health and Mass Media took place at ministry premises on Wednesday, the 14th.

The ministry said the shipment includes several oncology medicines, naming oxaliplatin 100mg injections, abiraterone 250mg tablets and methotrexate 500mg/5ml injections. LDSC representatives Lui Wing Chung Mickey and Apapohn Pinsakol Saengsin transferred the medicines to ministry secretary Dr. Anil Jasinghe, Newswire reported.

The ministry and LDSC also signed a memorandum covering 600 specialised wheelchairs for rehabilitation hospitals and centres treating people with spinal cord injuries. This is the second phase of the organisation’s wheelchair assistance in Sri Lanka. In 2023, its first phase supplied 570 wheelchairs, which were subsequently allocated to patients through rehabilitation centres nationwide, according to Newswire.

The latest initiative includes instruction for healthcare staff on assessing wheelchair needs, using the equipment and carrying out repairs, following World Health Organization guidance. Doctors, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and wheelchair workshop personnel are expected to take part. The ministry also said LDSC had given Sri Lanka cancer medicines worth about US$2 million, equivalent to Rs. 660 million, in the preceding two years.