Health and Mass Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayathissa has revealed that the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption will be tasked with probing suspected irregularities in the sale of pharmaceutical drugs, including allegations of companies making excessive profits far above industry norms.
Speaking during an official visit to the China-Sri Lanka Friendship National Nephrology Hospital in Polonnaruwa, the Minister stated that some suppliers were allegedly selling drugs at prices up to four or five times higher than standard market rates, even surpassing profit margins of the State Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Corporation (SPMC).
He clarified that doctors are free to recommend medicines or surgical items from outside suppliers, as has been the usual practice. However, he emphasized that the recent bribery concern arose specifically because a particular medicine had been intentionally overpriced far beyond its actual market value.
“Emergency purchases are allowed under existing financial guidelines. These should not be confused with corruption. But when there’s exploitation—when drugs are sold at four or five times the market price—that’s when it becomes a matter for investigation,” he added.
During his inspection tour, the Minister also discussed ongoing challenges faced by the hospital, including shortages in staff and essential equipment, and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to secure continued Chinese support for maintenance and upgrades.
The Polonnaruwa facility, a major gift from the Chinese government, specializes in kidney disease treatment and was inspected for its service delivery, infrastructure, and operational issues. Plans are underway to integrate the hospital more closely with the Polonnaruwa Teaching Hospital and to appoint a special committee to evaluate long-term development strategies.
Officials present included Deputy Minister T.B. Sarath, local MPs, senior ministry officials, and hospital administrators. (Newswire)
