The Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) has uncovered serious irregularities in the importation of medicines outside the standard procurement process, raising concerns about transparency and quality control.
During a recent COPE session, officials from the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) were summoned to explain discrepancies in the Waiver of Registration (W.O.R.) list.
Key concerns raised:
Missing technical documents – NMRA Chairman Dr. Ananda Wijewikrama admitted that key documents, including purchase orders and applicant details, were absent. Unusual board meetings – A board meeting, allegedly held at a hotel alongside a staff dinner, saw the approval of numerous drugs without proper review. Blacklisted suppliers – Some imported medicines were linked to blacklisted companies, raising serious safety concerns. Questionable financial transactions – COPE uncovered a Rs. 100,000/- advance for the meeting, which was later returned, raising questions about the validity of the session.
COPE’s findings have triggered calls for greater accountability, as the lack of oversight in medicine procurement poses a potential risk to public health.
