May 13, Colombo (LNW): In a bid to address the concerning influx of substandard and hazardous medicines into Sri Lanka via unregistered importers, such as the recent human immunoglobulin scandal, the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) is set to introduce a security sticker for future pharmaceutical registration certificates.
This decision comes in response to allegations surrounding the fraudulent acquisition of registration certificates by unauthorised importers or vendors, according to Dr. Ananda Wijewickrama, Chairman of the NMRA.
These allegations have surfaced amid ongoing legal cases, including the human immunoglobulin scam and the distribution of substandard eye drops, suggesting the falsification of NMRA-issued registration certificates.
Dr. Wijewickrama emphasised the gravity of this issue, prompting the NMRA to introduce a new security measure by affixing security stickers to all pharmaceutical registration certificates.
The initiative aims to prevent the entry of dangerous or substandard medicines into the country.
The Chairman disclosed plans to implement the security feature within approximately one month, stating that orders for the production of the new security stickers have been placed with the Government Press.
Implementation will commence promptly upon receipt of the new batch of stickers.
