The Ministry of Health has announced plans to enhance the drug procurement process to ensure the availability of quality medicines in Sri Lanka.
Ministry Secretary Dr. Anil Jasinghe stated that discussions will be held with the Procurement Commission to identify the most effective methods for purchasing medicines. He emphasized the need for improved programs to prevent shortages caused by tender suspensions related to drug quality issues.
Dr. Jasinghe highlighted that drugs should undergo testing at multiple stages, but the country currently relies on a single laboratory for such checks. To address this, plans are underway to establish additional laboratories.
In a related development, the National Medicine Regulatory Authority (NMRA) has proposed reducing the prices of 90 types of medicines. However, the price cuts have been delayed due to lawsuits filed by several pharmaceutical companies in the District Court.
The NMRA has assured the public that it will address these delays and proceed with the planned price reductions soon.
