Minister of Health and Industry, Dr. Ramesh Pathirana, emphasized the importance of domestic production of medicines as a means to address the substantial financial outlay of over $500 million spent annually on importing medicines.
Joined by key officials from the Medical Supply Division, the State Pharmaceutical Corporation, and the National Drug Regulatory Authority, Dr. Pathirana chaired the discussion, which centered on critical issues surrounding the regulation, supply, and distribution of medicines.
The discussion highlighted the need to streamline tender procedures, ensure the continuous provision of high-quality drugs to hospitals, and optimize the drug import system.
Dr. Pathirana underscored the necessity of bolstering domestic production as the most viable solution to mitigate the hefty import expenditure.
In addition, the minister stressed the importance of conducting an annual preliminary study to forecast medicine requirements for the forthcoming year. He emphasized proactive measures to enhance the nation's pharmaceutical self-sufficiency.
