• Docs group alleges the same is hidden in Kerawalapitiya, Galle, Iranamadu, A’pura, and that Dep. Health Min. unresponsive 

The Medical and Civil Rights Professional Association of Doctors (MCPA) alleged that a large quantity of substandard and expired medicines and surgical equipment imported in previous years is still being stored in warehouses at several locations across the country.

Speaking to The Daily Morning, MCPA President Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa claimed that information has emerged suggesting that stocks of these substandard drugs and medical equipment have been hidden in areas including in Kerawalapitiya, Galle, Iranamadu, and Anuradhapura.

He further claimed that he had repeatedly attempted to alert Deputy Minister of Health Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni about the issue, but that his efforts had gone unanswered. Dr. Wijemuni was not available for comment. 

Meanwhile, the MCPA stated that the latest audit report issued by the National Audit Office confirms that the Medical Supplies Division (MSD) of the Ministry of Health paid a total sum of Rs. 123,243,896 to a private company in 2023 and last year (2024) for the disposal of substandard medicines, surgical supplies, and chemicals, without following the proper procedure. 

The payments include Rs. 109,756,890 in 2023 and Rs. 13,487,006 in 2024. Dr. Sanjeewa claimed that the audit revealed that the Technical Evaluation Committee and the Procurement Committee had granted approvals for these transactions without calling for competitive bids and without examining the scope of the contracts. 

He further alleged that in several instances, the medicines were disposed of at prices higher than those stated in the contracts. “The report also highlights that under the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) Act, No. 5 of 2015, the main objective of the Authority is to serve as the central regulator for all matters related to the disposal of restricted products and medical devices. Despite the issuance of guidelines under this framework, the audit notes that the MSD had carried out the disposal and diversion of drugs without obtaining the complete approval of the NMRA,” he said.