The Galle National Hospital has introduced a smart token system to streamline the issuing of medicines to clinic patients, aiming to reduce long queues and improve efficiency.

Under the new system, patients present their prescriptions at the medicine counter, where details are registered, and a token is issued. 

Patients can then wait comfortably and receive their medicines according to their assigned number, eliminating confusion and congestion.

Hospital officials confirmed that the initiative is currently operating as a pilot project, with plans to upgrade it to a QR‑based system in the future. The method is also expected to be extended to external medicine distribution.

The hospital noted that the system has been particularly beneficial for elderly and retired patients, who now face fewer difficulties in accessing medication. 

Feedback from patients has been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the smoother and more organized process, it added. (Newswire)

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The National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) has warned of a possible increase in medicine prices, citing rising foreign exchange rates, production costs, transport, and insurance charges.

According to the Aruna newspaper, NMRA Chairman Specialist Dr. Ananda Wijewickrama said pharmaceutical companies have already written to Health Ministry Secretary Specialist Dr. Anil Jasinghe, requesting a price hike of at least 7% for 60 medicines currently under price control.

The report further states that State Pharmaceutical Corporation Chairman Shantha Bandara noted that when price controls were imposed, the US dollar stood at Rs. 295, but as of March 24, it had risen to Rs. 317.5, adding extra costs to imports.

He said the 60 controlled medicines now require a minimum 7% price increase, while other imports face higher costs due to rising production expenses, shipping, insurance, and expected electricity tariff hikes.

Sri Lanka imports around 1,800 essential and other medicines, and the current situation has significantly raised import costs, Bandara added.

Meanwhile, the Association of Local Pharmaceutical Manufacturers has also written to the Health Secretary seeking approval to raise prices. 

Local producers said packaging materials, raw materials, and production costs have all increased, compelling them to adjust prices.

They further noted that about 250 medicines are manufactured locally by 13 pharmaceutical companies operating in the country. (Newswire)

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A medical research team from the Faculty of Medicine at the Ragama Medical Faculty of the University of Kelaniya has developed a new drug to help control high blood pressure, university officials said.

The newly developed medication combines three types of antihypertensive drugs into a single tablet, replacing the commonly prescribed triple-pill regimen for hypertension patients.

According to clinical findings, the drug can reduce the risk of stroke caused by ruptured blood vessels due to high blood pressure by approximately 60 percent.

Neurologist Dr. Bimsara Senanayake, speaking at a media briefing, said the study showed significant potential in preventing recurrent strokes among patients suffering from hypertension-related complications.

“About 80 percent of stroke cases occur either due to blocked blood vessels or bleeding caused by ruptured arteries. Our research found that by effectively controlling blood pressure, this new medication can reduce the risk of recurrence by up to 60 percent,” Dr. Senanayake said.

Cardiologist Dr. Gotabhaya Ranasinghe noted that around 35 percent of Sri Lankans between the ages of 30 and 80 suffer from high blood pressure, many of whom remain untreated or unaware of their condition.

“This new drug helps bring blood pressure under control quickly and maintains stability throughout the day, according to test results. It is an important breakthrough in preventing hypertension and related health risks,” Dr. Ranasinghe said. (Newswire)

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Former Minister of Health Rajitha Senaratne says Sri Lanka is facing a shortage of over 380 medicinal drugs, including essential medicines, at present.

Speaking to reporters, Rajith Senaratne revealed that all hospitals, including state hospitals, have stopped conducting blood tests over the last four months.

“They are conducting it through laboratories. The blood tests are done from outside, with patients spending money. During my tenure, I prohibited tests from being conducted outside of the hospital. All tests were done in-house for free. But today, they are being conducted for money,” he said. 

Rajitha Senaratne said that patients undergoing surgery are now provided with a list of medical supplies, adding; “ A doctor recently told me that a patient is provided with a list amounting to at least Rs. 50,000 for a bypass surgery, while some could go as high as Rs. 100,000.”

The former Health Minister questioned how patients are managing under such circumstances, having to face sudden expenses of between Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 100,000 for medical expenses. (Newswire)

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Minister of Health Nalinda Jayatissa says an intelligence report has been received regarding some politically involved groups attempting to sabotage the government’s efforts to improve the health sector.

Addressing the weekly post-Cabinet media briefing today, Minister Jayatissa said that the government will not allow such interference. 

“Some of these people are directly connected to some political parties, some are members of parties, and some are behind certain companies, receiving salaries. They are threatening and obstructing the work of certain genuine doctors. They are using social media to threaten families of doctors and instigate transfers. We have received an intelligence report on this,” he said. 

Responding to questions on the medicine and surgical equipment fraud being carried out by certain specialist doctors at state hospitals, the Health Minister said that currently, three methods are followed to provide medicines to hospitals.

He said, firstly, specialist doctors compile a list of medicines needed for their patients and inform the Health Ministry. 

“Currently, the Health Ministry follows this process and provides medicines through the Medical Supplies Unit. Through the Health Ministry, we are providing 862 types of medicines and 12,444 surgical equipment. The State Pharmaceutical Corporation (SPC) has submitted tenders for the procurement of 432 medicines and 5906 surgical equipment as of now. This is the standard procedure,” he said. 

Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said that secondly, if there is a delay on the Health Ministry’s end, then there is a system where heads of institutions at the district level can purchase medicines. 

“Commonly known as local purchase. We cross-check if the medicines are available in our storage and if we can manage this with a new order. If we can’t do these, then we go for a local purchase,” he said. 

The Health Minister went on to note that thirdly, sometimes, specialist doctors recommend the purchase of certain medicines from outside to relatives of patients or patients. 

“Patients and their relatives buy the medicine at a nominal cost after checking with various pharmacies. This was followed in a very minimal manner,” he said.

Minister Jayatissa pointed out that, however, an issue has arisen, with specialist doctors recommending the purchase of medicine or surgical equipment from a particular pharmacy, which is selling the products at inflated prices. 

“This is fraud. Investigations are underway into such incidents,” he added. (Newswire)

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The current shortages of certain medicinal drugs have arisen because procurement decisions were not taken in a timely and proper manner in 2024, Minister of Health Nalinda Jayatissa said.

Addressing an event in Colombo on Saturday, Minister Jayatissa said Sri Lanka imports hundreds of drugs each year, but tenders for purchasing medicines for 2025 were called for only 67 types of medicines in the first five months of 2024.

He further said that tenders have now been called for 233 types of medicines, which had been stalled for years. 

The Health Minister also revealed that the State Pharmaceuticals Corporation completed procurement processes for 233 types of drugs in the first five months of 2025.

He said that 65 per cent of drugs used in the public hospital system are imported, explaining that the process of supplying medicines, from the initial stage to procurement and distribution, takes around nine months and is highly complex.

“For 2026, the State Pharmaceuticals Corporation must supply 450 types of medicines. Of these, tender procedures for 435 have already commenced, and the procurement process for 418 has already been completed. 325 of them have also been sent for final evaluation. Currently, we have taken a number of measures to ensure the pharmaceutical supply process in Sri Lanka continues efficiently and without disruption. 

“Recently, we held lengthy discussions with both local manufacturers of Western medicines and companies that import medicines. We explained the current situation to them and gave them targets, asking them to inform us of the types of medicines they can supply and produce within specific time frames. If they are unable to meet these targets, the Ministry of Health will have to engage with governments to arrange the import of medicines,” he said.

Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa pointed out that this was the best solution the government could provide for the current medicinal drug shortage in Sri Lanka. “Our aim is to ensure a continuous supply of high-quality medicines for the people of this country,” he added. (Newswire)

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The Ministry of Health has issued a Gazette notification stipulating the pricing mechanism for medicines. 

Per the Gazette notification, the maximum retail price of a medicine should be determined based on the following factors;

-Cost, Insurance, and Freight

-Duties and Taxes

-The supply chain total markup

• Pricing Mechanism for Maximum Retail Price;

According to the new pricing mechanism, the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) of a medicine is to be determined by considering the exchange rate of the US Dollar based on the average value of the past three months as published by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.

The Gazette authorizes the  National Medicine Regulatory Authority of Sri Lanka (NMRA) to review the Maximum Retail Price twice a year.  

The NMRA is vested with the power to revise the Maximum Retail Price of medicines if it considers it necessary in the public interest and if there is a fluctuation of the exchange rate beyond an accepted tolerance level.

• Pricing Mechanism for Maximum Ceiling Price;

When determining the Maximum Ceiling Price of medicines, retail prices across different pharmacies and the market shares of different brands and generics are to be considered using a statistical method involving median retail price. 

The Gazette further specifies that medicines cannot be sold above the Maximum Ceiling Price.

Accordingly, if the Maximum Retail Price of a medicine is lower than the Maximum Ceiling Price, it cannot be increased.

For newly registered medicines, if the Maximum Retail Price exceeds the Maximum Ceiling Price, then the Maximum Ceiling Price is to be adopted as the retail price. 

The NMRA is authorised to revise Maximum Retail Prices and Maximum Ceiling Prices based on market conditions to improve access to medicines. 

The Gazette notification has been issued by Minister of Health Nalinda Jayatissa, dated 25 March 2025. (Newswire)

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The Parliamentary Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) has been informed of fake documents regarding the importing of medicines under the emergency procurement system in 2022 and 2023.

National Medicine Regulatory Authority of Sri Lanka (NMRA) CEO Saveen Semage told the committee that several fake documents have been found due to the lack of registration of medicines.

Stating that 06 such fake documents were found last year alone, Saveen Semage said he had recorded statements regarding each of the documents with the Financial Crimes Investigation Division. 

He revealed that, however, no investigations have been conducted yet into the incidents. 

“We have documents with confessions from a woman accepting that fake documents had been made. However, a statement has not even been recorded from that woman yet,” he said. 

Meanwhile, COPE member MP Asitha Niroshana Egoda Vithana also revealed that the highest number of waive-off registrations (WOR) for medicines had been obtained in 2022 and 2023.

He said 656 waive-off registrations (WOR) had been obtained in 2022 and 261 in 2023, adding that this proves that discrepancies have taken place during the emergency procurement of medicines during these periods. 

Furthermore, Deputy Director General of the Medical Supplies Division of the Health Ministry, Dr. G. Wijesuriya said discussions are underway on allowing the State Pharmaceutical Corporation (SPC) to directly import essential medicines.

He pointed out that it was essential to take a policy decision in this regard as a solution to mitigate such discrepancies. (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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Health Minister Nalinda Jayathissa confirmed that a drug once priced at Rs. 76,000 is now available for Rs. 359, which he said was the result of monopolistic practices and the influence of a “drug mafia.”

Responding to questions raised by Newswire, the Health Minister explained that the issue is a result of monopolistic practices, where usually only one company is registered to import the particular drug.

“Either other companies are barred from registration, or, even when multiple companies are registered, the drug is effectively imported by just one company,” he said.

At the time the drug was imported there was no pricing formula and the government had purchased the medicines at the price determined by the companies, the Health Minister said.

“From 2019 to 2023, Rs. 342.49 million were spent to purchase this Papuvarine injection. This was at various price points from Rs. 58,000, 62,000, 64,000 and 76,000

The Minister noted that regulatory changes at the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) have since addressed the issue. 

The NMRA’s Pricing Committee now reviews regional prices before renewing drug registrations, a requirement introduced after the drug was first registered in 2018.

The Health Minister further said that the company involved is politically connected, and an investigation will be launched to determine how approvals were granted under the previous system. (Newswire)

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Over 300 locally manufactured medicines and medical supplies are set to be procured following Cabinet approval for a one-year period.

Cabinet Spokesman Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said that this decision, initially approved on 14 October 2024, aims to source medical supplies from identified local manufacturers.

The Ministry of Health and Mass Media has compiled four categories of suppliers, the State Pharmaceuticals Manufacturing Corporation (SPMC), joint venture partners with SPMC, buy-back agreement holders with the Ministry, and other non-contracted local manufacturers.

Following recommendations from the Cabinet-appointed Standing Procurement Committee, the proposal by the Minister of Health and Mass Media to award these procurements has been approved.

• To award the procurement for the supply of 42 types of medicines to the State Pharmaceuticals Manufacturing Corporation for a sum of Rs. 5,398.83 million.
• To award the procurement for the supply of 131 types of medicines to local manufacturers who have signed joint venture agreements with the State Pharmaceuticals Manufacturing Corporation for a sum of Rs. 16,611.42 million.
• To award the procurement for the supply of 36 types of medicines to local manufacturers who have signed buy back agreements with the Ministry of Health and Mass Media for a sum of Rs. 9,022.10 million
• To award the procurement of 130 types of medicines to 24 newly selected local manufacturers for a sum of Rs. 13,374.65 million. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka Customs’ Revenue Task Force has seized illegally imported medicines, worth Rs. 90 million, from a warehouse at the Colombo Port.

According to Sri Lanka Customs Media Spokesman, 1.8 million illegally imported Pregabalin (Pregab 150mg) capsules had been seized. 

The Spokesman said the shipment had been found concealed in 36 wooden speaker boxes imported by a businessman in Pettah. 

The consignment had been imported from India without the approval of the National Medicine Regulatory Authority of Sri Lanka.

The Customs Media Spokesman added that investigations suggest that it had been imported to target schoolchildren for drug addiction. (Newswire)

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A Gazette notification has been issued announcing the regulations for a Pricing Mechanism to determine the maximum retail price for a dosage form and the strength of a particular medicine in Sri Lanka. 

As per the Gazette, these regulations are cited as the Medicines (Pricing Mechanism for determination of maximum retail price for a dosage form and a strength of a particular medicine) Regulations, No. 01 of 2024. 2. 

The object of these regulations is to establish a pricing mechanism for a dosage form and the strength of a particular medicine to ensure transparency and fairness.

Accordingly, the maximum retail price of a dosage form and strength of a particular medicine shall be determined by 

(a) using an internationally recognized information portal for identifying the market share by value of different brands or Generic Names of drug formulations; and

(b) verifying retail prices of the relevant dosage form and the strength of a particular medicine from retail pharmacies of different parts of the island and information provided by the State Pharmaceutical Corporation (SPC).

The Gazette notification has been issued by Minister of Health Ramesh Pathirane dated June 28, 2024. 

Gazette : http://documents.gov.lk/files/egz/2024/6/2390-18_E.pdf (Newswire)

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The stock of 24 types of essential medicines worth over US$ 1 million donated by Bangladesh has been officially handed over to Sri Lanka on Thursday (Dec 21). 

According to the Ministry of Health, the stock of medicines was officially handed over to Health Minister Ramesh Pathirana by the High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Sri Lanka Tareq Md Ariful Islam.

The stock of essential medicines has been received following a request made by Sri Lanka and discussions held between the Health Ministries of Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in this regard.

The Health Ministry said the donated stock of medicines is sufficient to cover Sri Lanka’s medicine needs for three months.

The ministry added that the medicine donation was coordinated by the State Pharmaceutical arm of Bangladesh, Essential Drugs Company Limited. (NewsWire)

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The Ministry of Health has taken measures for the immediate suspension of all medicine supply orders given to the company, Isolez Bio-Tech Pharma, it was reported.

The steps have been taken on the directives of Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella following reports of drug scams related to the firm.

Measures have been taken to inform the Health Ministry Secretary and heads of all related institutions in writing regarding the relevant decision.

The Health Minister has given instructions to suspend and cancel the orders given to the concerned company as well as the supplies to be received, while all payments due to this company have also been suspended with immediate effect.

The suspension of orders and payment are effective until investigations by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) regarding the relevant drug frauds related to the firm are completed.

Complaints have been filed with the CID requesting an investigation into the allegations raised against Isolez Bio-Tech Pharma.

The Health Minister has also sent a letter to the Attorney General asking for legal advice in this regard and to speed up the legal proceedings in this regard.

Meanwhile, Police Media Spokesman SSP Nihal Talduwa told reporters that the CID has received five complaints so far requesting a probe into the alleged importation of a drug into Sri Lanka using forged documents and signatures and to stop the release of the drug into the market.

The spokesperson revealed that this matter has been studied and investigations have been launched by the CID. (NewsWire)

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The Government has taken a decision to halt the emergency procurement of medicinal drugs.

The decision was announced by Minister of Health Keheliya Rambukwella during a press briefing held today (Oct 02). 

Accordingly, a decision has been taken to halt the emergency procurement of medicinal drugs with immediate effect. 

Minister Keheliya Rambukwella further said that a Medicinal Management and Strategizing Committee (MMSC) has been appointed to overlook, evaluate, and regulate the purchasing processes within the ministry.

Taking to ‘X’, the Health Minister said that decisions have been taken to regulate, standardize, and further quicken the process of drug procurement for Sri Lanka.

“To date, it has largely been a singular effort because of the pressing need and lack of funds. This will ensure greater efficiency of delivery,” he added. (NewsWire)

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Drug shortages in the US are at an all-time high, and price erosion has stabilised, which could benefit Indian pharmaceutical (pharma) companies with a US focus, according to analysts.

Nuvama Research analysts said that US price erosion seems to have normalised to its old levels of 6-8 per cent and volumes are picking up with easing of inventory.

Similarly, an ICICIdirect analyst noted: “Price erosion intensity has now moderated to a single digit and is expected to tone down a bit as Indian companies will tend to benefit from the exit of a few bankrupt generic companies in the US and improved momentum in exclusive products.”

Read more at : https://www.business-standard.com/companies/news/prices-stabilising-drug-shortages-in-us-likely-to-aid-indian-pharma-123061800751_1.html

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The Ministry of Health expects to reduce the prices of medicines by 10-15% within the next week, Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella stated.

Minister Rambukwella stated that steps are being taken to reduce the price of medicines in line with the drop in the US Dollar rate.

He further stated that discussions have commenced between the Finance Ministry and the Accounts Department of the Health Ministry in this regard. (NewsWire)

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A 07-year-old child from Gampola has died due to the distribution of the wrong medicine as a result of a lack of a proper prescription system at the Kurunduwatta Divisional Hospital.

According to reports, the female child had fallen ill after which her parents had taken her to the Kurunduwatta Divisional Hospital where she was prescribed medicine on a used printed paper. 

The parents are said to have obtained the medicine from the pharmacy at the hospital and the child had consumed the medicine after returning home, resulting in her having diarrhoea and becoming weak.

As the child had shown other symptoms after visiting the hospital for the second time, the child’s parents had thereafter, taken her to the Gampola Base Hospital where it was found that the child had been prescribed medicines given to elders.

The hospital has found that the Kurunduwatta Divisional Hospital had prescribed medicine on a printed paper on which already medicines had been prescribed for an elderly patient which had been wrongfully given to the child. 

However, the child who was made unconscious and admitted to the ICU of the Gampola Base Hospital is reported to have passed away while receiving treatment. 

Investigations have found that due to a lack of paper, the Kurunduwatta Divisional Hospital has used already used prescription papers, due to which the wrong dose of medicines had been distributed to the child, resulting in her death. (NewsWire)

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The Supreme Court of Sri Lanka has granted leave to proceed with a case filed by Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) on the pharmaceuticals purchased under the Indian Credit Line.

Issuing a statement, TISL stated that the Fundamental Rights petition was filed stating that serious doubts have arisen regarding the quality, safety, and efficacy of the pharmaceuticals purchased under the Indian Credit Line from The Savorite Pharmaceuticals (Pvt) Limited.

The petition was filed against the steps taken by the Cabinet of Ministers, the Minister of Health, the Ministry of Health, and the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) to procure medical supplies from two Indian private companies.

TISL further stated that while noting that serious doubts have arisen regarding the lawfulness of the impugned procurement transaction, Court granted two interim reliefs;

•      Suspension of further importation of pharmaceuticals pertaining to the decision without obtaining a further order from the Court after proving that the quality and safety requirements are satisfied, and the procurement is lawful.
•      Release for use the two consignments that have already reached Sri Lanka only after conducting necessary tests, and the NMRA expressing its independent decision assuring the safety, quality, and efficacy of the already imported pharmaceuticals.

TISL stated that this case, filed in the public interest, challenged among other things, the non-compliance with procurement guidelines including the emergency procurement process and abuse of process by the Minister of Health and the Chief Executive Officer of the NMRA.

In its petition, TISL alleges that the citizen’s fundamental right to equality (Article 12(1)) and the right of access to information (Article 14A) have been violated, along with serious disregard for the health, safety and well-being of the people and in total abuse of public trust and public funds.

The petition was heard before the Supreme Court bench comprising Justice Murdu N.B. Fernando, PC, Justice Yasantha Kodagoda, PC, and Justice Achala Wengappuli.

Senany Dayaratne, Attorney-at-Law appeared for the Petitioners with Attorneys-at-Law Nishadi Wickramasinghe, Sankhitha Gunaratne, and Lasanthika Hettiarachchi. Attorney-at-Law DSG Nirmalan Wigneswaran appeared for the Respondents except for the 45th and 46th Respondents. (NewsWire)

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