NMRA to get tough on illegal drug imports

The National Drug Regulatory Authority (NMRA) will take strict action against those who engage in the illegal import and distribution and label change of drugs, Production, Supply and Regulation of Pharmaceuticals State Minister Prof.Channa Jayasumana said yesterday.

“In the coming year, as a matter of policy, the State Ministry will join hands with the NMRA to address a number of issues related to medicinal drugs. Accordingly, we will take necessary measures to amend the Act that was introduced in 2015. In particular, we have seen that certain sections of this Act, the regulations introduced by the Act, assist some to engage in unscrupulous activities,”the State Minister said.

He said that the newly appointed NMRA Chairman has appointed a committee to introduce a method of evaluating someone who does a good deed. “I know selling illegal drugs, changing labels and selling drugs often carries a small fine. Even if you pay a fine of 1,000 times, you will not feel it,” he added.

He also stressed the importance of preventing the illegal distribution and selling of tramadol and gabapentin.

“The biggest problem right now is antibiotics. Physicians who recommend to take antibiotic for even ordinary medical conditions are primarily responsible for this. Antibiotics are also being misused in our country. The use of antibiotics in our country is increasing rapidly,” Prof. Jayasumana said.

Recent research on country’s kidney disease has revealed that most of the water sources in Sri Lanka have been contaminated with antibiotics. There are so many types of antibiotics and water sources.There is an urgent need to make arrangements to prevent the overuse of antibiotics.

NMRA Chairman Dr.Rasitha Wijewantha, All Ceylon Private Pharmaceutical Owners’ Association President Chandima Gankanda also participated in this event.