Providing medical assistance: Medicines, medical supplies donated to Sri Lanka

The hand over ceremony of medicines and medical supplies donated by Myanmar government to the government of Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka was held at the Medical Research Department in Yangon on Monday.

At the event, Union Minister for Health DrThetKhaing Win said that under the guidance of the Prime Minister and the Chairman of the State Administration Council, Myanmar donated 1,000 tons of rice to Sri Lanka on 2nd September 2022.

Myanmar and Sri Lanka have the same religion, Sasana, cultural traditions and close and friendly since ancient times. The donations highlighted on relations and good friendship between the two countries and the words “Sharing is caring”.

The Union added that it will support Sri Lanka's covid-19 prevention and control treatment activities, public health care services and comprehensive social rehabilitation activities. He also expressed his belief that the donation will promote further bilateral cooperation and friendship.

Sri Lankan Ambassador Mr. J.M.J.P Bandara replied that this contribution is not the first aid of Myanmar. In 2017, Myanmar donated 300-ton of rice to Sri Lanka at the time when Sri Lanka is facing unprecedented economic challenges. He expressed that such assistance shows the friendship between the two countries and a good friend of Myanmar to Sri Lanka in the difficult times.

Based on the teachings of Theravada Buddhism, cooperation between the two countries has been for a long time, and this year marks the 73rd anniversary of diplomatic relations between Myanmar and Sri Lanka. Later, the Union Minister handed over the donated materials and related documents to the Sri Lankan Ambassador who gave in turn the certificate of appreciation.

With the guidance of the State Administration Council, the medicines and medical supplies such as household medicines, rabies vaccine, antibiotic, chronic disease medications and Covid-19 prevention and control protective equipment contributed to Sri Lanka were jointly donated by the Ministry of Health and Myanmar Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Manufacturer Association and the donated amount is over 1.48 million USD.