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

Colombo, Oct. 15 (Daily Mirror) - The United States-based The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has donated oncology drugs worth Rs. 330 million to Sri Lanka to support cancer patients, while an agreement was also signed to provide 600 specialised wheelchairs for patients with spinal cord injuries.

The donation was formally handed over to the Ministry of Health and Mass Media yesterday (October 14) by Lui Wing Chung Mickey, Asia Area Director, and Apapohn Pinsakol Saengsin, Asia Area Manager, representing Latter-day Saint Charities (LDSC).

An agreement was also signed between the Ministry and the Utah-based organisation for the donation of 600 specialised wheelchairs for patients receiving treatment at rehabilitation hospitals and centres across the country.

The cancer drug donation includes several essential medicines, including Oxaliplatin for Injection USP 100mg, Abiraterone Tablets USP 250mg and Methotrexate for Injection USP 500mg/5ml.

Health and Mass Media Ministry Secretary Dr. Anil Jasinghe formally received the donation on behalf of the Ministry. He also presented a certificate of appreciation to the organisation on behalf of the Sri Lankan Government and people, recognising its contribution towards improving cancer care in the country.

The wheelchair donation marks the second phase of the humanitarian assistance programme implemented by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In 2023, the organisation donated 570 wheelchairs to Sri Lanka, which were subsequently distributed to patients through rehabilitation centres across the island over the past three years.

In addition to the latest donation, the programme will include specialised training for healthcare personnel on wheelchair prescription, use and maintenance in line with World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines.

Doctors, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and staff attached to wheelchair workshops are expected to receive the training.

The organisation has also donated essential cancer medicines worth US$2 million (approximately Rs. 660 million) to Sri Lanka over the past two years, in addition to its wheelchair assistance programme.

Director of the Medical Supplies Division of the Ministry of Health and Mass Media, Dr. Dedunu Dias, also attended the event.