February 05, Colombo (LNW): The number of drug quality failures in 2024 was notably lower compared to the previous year, according to the Medical Supplies Division of the Ministry of Health.
A total of 87 drug quality failures were reported in 2024, with the majority of the problematic products being imported from India.
Of the drugs that did not pass quality tests, approximately 47 were sourced from India, while 12 had been produced locally.
The remaining substandard drugs came from various countries, including China, Kenya, Pakistan, Japan, and Bangladesh.
Some of these drugs have been withdrawn from circulation, while others have been withheld or discontinued altogether in an effort to safeguard public health.
The issue of substandard drugs gained widespread attention in 2023, when the country experienced its highest-ever number of quality failures, with 124 incidents reported.
These failures contributed to a number of serious health complications and, in some cases, fatalities, prompting urgent calls for reform within the pharmaceutical supply chain.
As of early 2025, there have already been 13 drug quality failures reported, a figure that has raised concerns despite the relative reduction compared to the previous year.
In light of these ongoing challenges, a senior official from the Ministry of Health has confirmed that steps are being taken to tighten regulations around drug imports.
These measures include enhanced quality control protocols and more frequent testing of pharmaceutical products before they reach the market.
The Ministry is also planning to increase its scrutiny of pharmaceutical suppliers, ensuring that only the highest quality products are allowed into the country.
