Ministry of Health Focuses on Streamlining Drug Procurement and Price Reductions

COLOMBO (News 1st) - The Ministry of Health has announced that the government is working to improve the drug procurement process.

Ministry Secretary Dr. Anil Jasinghe said discussions will be held with the Procurement Commission to find the best method for buying medicines.

Dr. Jasinghe pointed out that suspending tenders because of drug quality issues causes shortages and stressed the need for better programs to ensure the purchase of quality drugs.

He added that drugs should be tested at different stages, but there is currently only one laboratory in the country for these tests. Plans are underway to set up more laboratories.

In addition, the National Medicine Regulatory Authority (NMRA) of Sri Lanka plans to reduce the prices of 90 types of medicines.

However, a senior official said the price cuts have been delayed because several pharmaceutical companies filed a lawsuit in the District Court.

The Authority plans to explain the reasons for the delay and assures that price reductions will happen soon.