Saline producing factory to be established in Sri Lanka

The cabinet has approved the establishing of a Saline producing factory in Sri Lanka.

Currently Dextrose Saline and associated products are being imported from other countries. A substantial amount of foreign exchange is being spent on this. While prices are increasing gradually, the need for saline is also showing an increasing trend. The government spent Rs. 206.32 million during 2005, Rs. 319.61 million during 2006 and 187.83 million so far during the current year for import of saline to all government hospitals. Large amounts of money go to foreign countries due to this import and also the country faces scarcity when the imports become delayed. This affects most patients. Hence, this decision to manufacture saline has been approved.