Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has raised concerns in Parliament over the government’s rigid approach toward pharmacy operations, despite a growing nationwide shortage of qualified pharmacists.
Premadasa said that while the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) had earlier relaxed certain provisions of the 2015 Medicines Regulatory Act following requests from pharmacists and pharmacy owners, the current government has reimposed strict regulations.
He claimed that the NMRA has recently rejected the renewal of licenses for a large number of pharmacies, causing distress among owners and worsening the pharmacist shortfall.
Premadasa stressed on the importance of finding interim solutions to address the shortage, such as presenting reports on the number of vacancies, annual pharmacist graduates, and currently available qualified professionals.
He also questioned the effectiveness of the current external pharmacy degree examination, the government’s training plans for interns, and any proposed changes to existing training methods.
The Opposition Leader further demanded clarity from the Health Ministry on whether there are plans to phase out the external pharmacy degree and what alternative steps are being taken to address the shortage.
Highlighting the gravity of the situation, Premadasa noted that the Kalubowila Hospital is already experiencing a lack of essential medicines and called for urgent action based on the recommendations of the committee appointed to resolve the issue. (Newswire)
