According to Dr. Sanjeewa, the combination of foreign exchange shortages, rising fuel costs, and ongoing global tensions in the Middle East could force drug importers and local manufacturers to increase medicine prices, further straining the public.
He highlighted that many essential medicines are already expensive, and a further rise could severely impact patients relying on long-term treatments for diabetes, heart disease, kidney disorders, mental illness, and childhood illnesses.
Dr. Sanjeewa also criticized the current enforcement of drug price control gazettes, noting that medicines are often sold above the regulated prices. He urged the government to provide subsidies for low-income families to prevent a potential public health crisis.
