The Health Ministry has taken swift action to suspend and cancel all orders from Isolez Bio-Tech Pharma Company due to ongoing issues related to drug supply in Sri Lanka. Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella has instructed the Ministry Secretary and relevant institution heads to notify them in writing of this decision.
In addition, all payments to the company have been immediately halted pending the completion of investigations by the Criminal Investigation Department into alleged drug fraud. The Minister has ordered the suspension and cancellation of orders and supplies from the company in light of the recent problematic situation. Complaints regarding questionable supplies from the pharmaceutical company have been forwarded to the Criminal Investigation Department, which is now conducting an investigation.
Key officials, including the Health Ministry Secretary, Additional Secretary (Pharmaceuticals, Supply, and Regulation), Director General of Health Services, Deputy Director General (Medical Supplies), State Pharmaceutical Corporation Chairman, National Drug Regulatory Authority Chairman, and Chief Executive, have been notified about the situation.
The Health Minister has also sought legal advice from the Attorney General to expedite legal proceedings concerning this pharmaceutical company and the related incident.
SSP Nihal Talduwa, the Police Media Spokesman, stated that the Criminal Investigation Department has received five complaints related to the import of drugs into Sri Lanka using forged documents and signatures. These complaints were filed by an advisor to the Health Minister, a voluntary organization, the Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Regulatory Commission, the Chief Executive Officer of the Drug Regulatory Authority, and another individual. Investigations into the matter are currently underway.
