Medicine importers and those engaged in the pharmaceutical business have not been vested with powers to determine the price of medicines in Sri Lanka, State Minister (Prof) Channa Jayasumana said today.
Issuing a statement, the State Minister said that the price of medicines is determined by the Pricing Committee of the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA).
The Committee which is chaired by former Chairman of National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol in Sri Lanka and International Public Health Expert Dr. Pailitha Abeykoon consists of 13 experts from various sectors.
Prof. Channa Jayasumana further said following the devaluation of the Sri Lanka Rupee the price of medicines had increased over the last two days.
He said, however, those engaged in the pharmaceutical business have not been given the approval to determine the prices of medicines as per their wish.
Meanwhile, the special pricing committee of the NMRA chaired by Dr. Pailitha Abeykoon has approved a 29 percent price hike for medicines.
State Minister (Prof) Channa Jayasumana said the increase in the price of medicines comes into immediate effect. (NewsWire)
