brand logo

Increasing pharmaceutical prices: NMRA warns of legal action

17 Jun 2020

By Maheesha Mudugamuwa The National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) warned of strict actions against pharmaceutical companies that increase the prices of drugs by exploiting the prevailing Covid-19 situation in the country. NMRA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr. Kamal Jayasinghe told The Morning that legal action has already been taken against certain companies which had increased the prices without the knowledge of the authority. The prices of drugs are being evaluated by the NMRA’s pricing committee. For companies to increase the prices, they have to obtain the authority’s approval, Dr. Jayasinghe said, adding that there was no need of increasing drug prices in the market as the market was not affected even due to Covid-19. “We have taken steps to control any drug shortage, and with the introduction of the Waiver of Registration (WOR), the authority manages to control the shortage of sanitiser, PCR kits, and masks in the country,” Dr. Jayasinghe said. The WOR was applicable only for certain materials and not for drugs, he stressed. However, the NMRA has taken a decision to remove the waiver with effect from 26 June. “Every company has to be registered with the NMRA and only those that illegally smuggle drugs to Sri Lanka are not registered with the NMRA. Since there is no shortage of masks, sanitiser, or PCR kits at present, there is no necessity to apply for a Waiver of Registration,” he explained. The NMRA CEO reiterated that the authority had not taken any decision to increase drug prices due to the Covid-19 situation.


More News..