The government is expected to save approximately Rs. 5.7 billion through the price regulation of 13 types of medicines ordered for import into Sri Lanka in 2027, according to National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) Chairman, Consultant Dr. Ananda Wijewickrama.

Speaking at a media briefing held at the NMRA on Thursday (01), Dr. Wijewickrama stated that the estimated savings were achieved through the coordinated efforts of the NMRA, the Medical Supplies Division (MSD) and the State Pharmaceuticals Corporation (SPC), under the national medicine price regulation policy.

He explained that increased registration of medicines by the NMRA, timely placement of orders by the MSD, efficient tender procedures carried out by the SPC and improved coordination among the three institutions had contributed to the anticipated savings.

The NMRA Chairman further revealed that the prices of 60 types of medicines have been regulated so far, enabling consumers to access quality medicines at more affordable prices.

Providing background on the initiative, Dr. Wijewickrama noted that maximum retail prices were first introduced for 48 essential medicines in 2016, followed by another 12 medicines in 2017.

He stated that the current price regulation mechanism operates under the National Medicines Regulatory Authority Act, No. 5 of 2015, drawing on the principles of Professor Senaka Bibile’s 1971 Bibile–Wickramasinghe Report and the Essential Medicines List.

According to Dr. Wijewickrama, the regulations have helped significantly reduce the prices of certain excessively priced medicine brands while preventing medicine prices from being determined solely by market forces.

He emphasised that government intervention in medicine pricing remains essential, arguing that market competition alone cannot guarantee affordable medicines, particularly as patients have limited control over the prices of the medicines they require.

The NMRA Chairman also pointed out that the same medicine is often marketed under multiple brand names at varying prices, stressing that a higher price does not necessarily indicate better quality. (Newswire)

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Chairman of the National Medicine Regulatory Authority (NMRA), Dr. Ananda Wijewickrama has confirmed reports of a medicine previously sold for Rs. 76,000 now being recommended to be sold for Rs. 370. 

Speaking during a televised programme, Dr. Ananda Wijewickrama said a specialist doctor part of a committee appointed to review medicine prices had spotted the price discrepancy related to the medicine used for heart surgeries. 

Dr. Ananda Wijewickrama clarified that the medicine, a vaccine, was not used for cancer treatment, but was used during heart surgeries. 

“When we received a tender, we saw it had been quoted around Rs. 50,000 per vaccine. A specialist doctor of the NMRA’s reviewing committee found an unusual price difference due to which he had ordered the tender to be cancelled,” Dr. Ananda Wijewickrama said. 

He went on to state that further investigations into the matter had found that the medicine had been priced at Rs. 76,000 in 2018, during which time the NMRA did not impose price controls. He said that only the prices quoted by the suppliers were considered. 

“As such, the importer has quoted Rs. 76,000 in 2018. However, that price must be revised now, as the supplier’s certificate must be renewed. We informed the importer that the price will be reviewed and the medicine will be properly priced,” he said.

Dr. Ananda Wijewickrama said following the necessary inquiries the NMRA has proposed the medicine to be sold at Rs. 370, which is the actual price. (Newswire)

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Dr. Ananda Wijewickrama has been appointed as the Chairman of the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA).

According to the Health Ministry, he replaces former NMRA Chairman Prof. S.D. Jayaratne.

In the recent past, the NMRA under the leadership of Prof. S.D. Jayaratne has faced several allegations with regard to the influx of inferior-quality medicines. 

In September this year, Senior Consultant Physician Dr. Ananda Wijewickrama accused the NMRA Director Board of having ignored recommendations made by the specialists’ consultant committee and having authorised the import of unauthorised medicines at the request of the Health Ministry.

At the time, Dr. Wijewickrama said that the Specialist Consultant Committee refused to grant approval to procure certain types of medicine, but the NMRA Director Board surpassed the recommendations of the committee and provided approval to procure some unregistered medication. (NewsWire)

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