Speaking at the handover of medical equipment worth Rs. 46.5 million to the Mahiyanganaya Base Hospital in Badulla under the Husma programme, Premadasa said that although members of the present Government had previously supported calls to end the circulation of substandard medicines, such products including vaccines are now being distributed to the public.
He stressed that all health authorities, led by the current Health Minister, must take immediate action to dismantle the racket, warning that public trust in the healthcare system is at risk.
Mr. Premadasa also highlighted the urgent need to establish an independent mechanism to test the quality of medicines, noting that Sri Lanka still lacks a fully equipped laboratory to verify pharmaceutical standards. He said internationally recognised institutions should be involved to ensure medicine quality and patient safety.
Emphasising accountability, opposition leader said responsibility cannot be avoided by the Health Minister or relevant officials. He reiterated that the Opposition will support all genuine measures to eliminate the substandard medicine trade and called for the full implementation of the Dr. Senaka Bibile National Drug Policy to safeguard public health.
