Speaking to Newswire, the minister explained that monopolistic practices allowed only one company to import the drug, despite the registration of multiple companies. “In some cases, other companies were either barred from registration or the drug was effectively monopolized by a single importer,” he stated.
The lack of a pricing formula at the time enabled companies to dictate prices. Between 2019 and 2023, the government spent Rs. 342.49 million purchasing Papuvarine injections, with costs varying from Rs. 58,000 to Rs. 76,000 per unit.
Minister Jayathissa credited the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) for introducing a new system to curb such issues. The NMRA’s Pricing Committee now evaluates regional pricing before renewing drug registrations—a reform introduced after the drug’s initial registration in 2018.
He further alleged that the company involved has political connections, and an investigation will probe how previous approvals were granted.
This case underscores the significance of regulatory oversight in preventing exploitative practices and ensuring affordable access to essential medicines.
