December 04, Colombo (LNW): The Cabinet of Sri Lanka has approved the procurement of over 300 locally manufactured medicines and medical supplies for a one-year period. The decision, first approved on 14 October 2024, aims to support local manufacturers and enhance the availability of essential medical supplies.
Cabinet Spokesman Minister Nalinda Jayatissa confirmed that the Ministry of Health and Mass Media has identified four categories of suppliers: the State Pharmaceuticals Manufacturing Corporation (SPMC), joint venture partners with SPMC, buy-back agreement holders with the Ministry, and other non-contracted local manufacturers.
The procurement process, guided by the recommendations of the Cabinet-appointed Standing Procurement Committee, includes the following:
- Awarding the procurement of 42 types of medicines to SPMC for Rs. 5,398.83 million.
- Awarding the procurement of 131 types of medicines to local manufacturers with joint venture agreements with SPMC for Rs. 16,611.42 million.
- Awarding the procurement of 36 types of medicines to manufacturers with buy-back agreements for Rs. 9,022.10 million.
- Awarding the procurement of 130 types of medicines to 24 newly selected local manufacturers for Rs. 13,374.65 million.
This initiative is expected to strengthen the local pharmaceutical industry and improve the supply of medical products across the country.
