Health Minister promises safe, high-quality medicines for all citizens

The Health Ministry has taken decisive steps to strengthen the supply of high-quality, standardised medicines to state healthcare institutions and the open market at fair prices.

Health and Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa emphasised that the Ministry is committed to ensuring the continuous supply of quality medicines while implementing necessary regulatory measures.

The Minister made these remarks at an event where new members were appointed to the National Advisory Committee on Medicines and the National Appeals Committee on Medicines, operating under the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA). The appointment letters were handed over at the NMRA headquarters.

Addressing the gathering, Minister Jayatissa stated that the National Advisory Committee and the National Appeals Committee bear a crucial responsibility in ensuring the uninterrupted supply of high-quality medicines to government hospitals and the open market at fair prices. He emphasised that these committees will guide and oversee the pharmaceutical sector to maintain regulatory standards and prevent market malpractice.

During the discussions, it was revealed that while a portion of the country’s medicine supply is produced locally by the State Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Corporation, a significant amount is imported from foreign suppliers. Committee members highlighted that certain pharmaceutical companies had made excessive profits from these imports, raising concerns about unethical pricing practices.

Additionally, it was disclosed that in some instances, a ‘medicine mafia’ had been operating within the country, manipulating the market for undue financial gain.

Minister Jayatissa stressed the importance of preventing such malpractices and urged the newly appointed committee members to remain vigilant and act decisively.

The Minister further acknowledged that while the National Medicines Regulatory Authority Act No. 5 of 2015 was in place, its full enforcement had been lacking in recent years. He assured that moving forward, all regulatory provisions would be effectively implemented to ensure that Sri Lankan citizens have access to safe, high-quality medicines.

The post Health Minister promises safe, high-quality medicines for all citizens appeared first on DailyNews.