Renowned physiologist, Dr. Ananda Wijewickrama, expressed concerns about the National Drug Regulatory Authority’s technical committee, highlighting the absence of a professor of pharmacology for several months. Speaking at a news conference held at the Sri Lanka Medical Council Association Hall, Dr. Wijewickrama stated that decisions regarding drugs were being compromised as a result.
Dr. Wijewickrama further highlighted the recent transfer of 23 senior pharmacists from the Drug Regulatory Authority to the Ministry of Health, which further hindered effective drug regulation. He emphasized that inadequate regulation leads to confusion for both patients and doctors.
The expert drew attention to the shortage of medicines in the country and the emergency importation of unregistered drugs. New regulations have been prepared in the Medicines Import Arrangements Act to facilitate such emergency purchases. Despite assurances from the Ministry of Health regarding imports funded by loans from the World Bank, the Indian Credit Scheme, and the Asian Development Bank, there continues to be a scarcity of medicines in hospitals nationwide, even six months after the announcement.
Dr. Wijewickrama also expressed concerns about the mismanagement of funds leading to the shortage of medicines and the infiltration of substandard drugs into the country. The situation calls for urgent attention and effective measures to ensure proper drug regulation and uninterrupted availability of essential medications.
