The National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) has reduced the prices of 350 medicines used for a range of conditions including childhood illnesses, cancer, diabetes and hypertension, its Chairman, Consultant Physician Dr. Ananda Wijewickrama said today.
He announced the move during a media briefing held at the Government Information Department, noting that the price revisions follow the new gazette issued by Health and Mass Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa and later approved by Parliament.
Dr. Wijewickrama said the NMRA has the legal authority under the National Medicines Regulatory Authority Act No. 5 of 2015 to regulate medicine prices. However, price controls were temporarily halted from December 2023 due to an interim court order obtained by a group of pharmaceutical importers.
With the new gazette now in effect, suppliers, importers and manufacturers have been informed of the revised price caps. He urged the public to report pharmacies selling medicines above the approved prices.
Dr. Wijewickrama also presented a comparison of current prices and the newly reduced prices for several key medications, adding that the NMRA is preparing to launch a dedicated mobile app to help the public verify regulated prices. (Newswire)