By: Staff Writer
March 16, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s Health Minister, Nalinda Jayatissa, announced plans to expedite the registration of drug suppliers, aiming to improve competition and eliminate delays in the National Medical Regulatory Authority (NMRA) process.
Previously, there was a backlog in processing files, reducing the number of registered suppliers, which hindered market competition and, in some cases, left only one supplier for certain drugs.
Jayatissa explained that steps are being taken to resolve these issues, with only 450 files remaining in the NMRA process, down from 2,500.
The lack of competition has been detrimental, as fewer registered suppliers mean higher prices for consumers. The Minister emphasized that by increasing the number of suppliers, consumers would benefit, as it would help regulate prices more effectively.
He also encouraged more suppliers to register with the NMRA and urged them to reach out for support if needed.The NMRA, established by the previous Yahapalana administration, was created to control drug prices and regulate the pharmaceutical industry.
However, its policies have been controversial, particularly regarding the reduction in drug registrations. Critics argue that limiting the number of registered suppliers leads to monopolies or oligopolies, driving up prices rather than controlling them. In 2015, analysts warned that the NMRA’s approach could reduce competition and increase drug prices, a concern that has since been realized.
The NMRA’s efforts to control prices have been met with criticism from various sectors, particularly in the case of generic drugs.
The promotion of these drugs, without the requirement for clinical trials to prove efficacy, has led to serious health risks, including patient deaths due to ineffective or contaminated drugs. The regulatory body has faced multiple allegations of corruption and mishandling of data, further undermining public trust.
In conclusion, the Sri Lankan government is now taking action to address the long-standing issues in the pharmaceutical sector. The fast-tracking of supplier registrations is a crucial step towards increasing competition, improving drug availability, and lowering prices for consumers.
However, the NMRA’s past actions, including the promotion of generic drugs and its controversial price control measures, continue to raise concerns about the future effectiveness and integrity of the regulatory system.
