January 13, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lankan government is taking steps to address concerns about the quality of medicines by focusing on the establishment of multiple laboratories dedicated to drug testing, according to Dr. Anil Jasinghe, Secretary to the Ministry of Health.
Speaking to the media in Kandy, Dr. Jasinghe outlined the government’s initiative to enhance the country’s drug testing capabilities, which is expected to improve oversight and ensure higher standards of healthcare.
Dr. Jasinghe explained that while medicines are currently tested only when complaints arise, this reactive approach is inadequate.
He stressed the importance of conducting regular quality checks at various stages throughout the procurement and distribution processes.
To address this gap, the government is now prioritising the development of one or two dedicated laboratories for drug testing within Sri Lanka.
“These laboratories will be crucial in establishing a more proactive approach to quality assurance,” Dr. Jasinghe said. “Testing should not just occur when there is a problem, but should be integrated into the entire process, from the moment of procurement to the point of distribution.”
Sri Lanka, although a relatively small nation, faces challenges in managing its expansive healthcare system. Dr. Jasinghe pointed out that the country’s procurement process for medicines is larger and more complex than that of many developed nations, mainly because Sri Lanka’s healthcare system is centrally controlled by the government.
This centralisation has resulted in the state overseeing a significant portion of the country’s pharmaceutical supply.
In addition to discussing the future of drug testing, Jasinghe addressed recent concerns over the involvement of a blacklisted company in the importation of medicines.
The Ministry of Health is planning an investigation into these allegations, which have raised questions about the integrity of the procurement process. Dr. Jasinghe assured the public that the government is taking these matters seriously and is committed to ensuring that only safe and effective medicines are supplied to the population.
