The prices of several medicines have been revised by way of the Extraordinary Gazette issued by Minister of Health Keheliya Rambukwella on 15 June.

Accordingly, the prices of 60 types of medicines have been reduced by 16% as per the relevant gazette, which was to be in effect from yesterday (26) onwards.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health stated that no manufacturer or importer will be permitted to sell any type of medicine mentioned in the relevant extraordinary gazette at a price more than the maximum retail price (MRP) specified in the Gazette. Every trader, distributor, pharmacist, medical practitioner, dentist, veterinary surgeon, medical institution including a private medical institution, pharmacy or person that is in possession of the scheduled medicines for the purpose of sale is required to maintain the price of the scheduled medicines at the MRP or revised retail price, whichever is less, as mentioned in the relevant extraordinary gazette, it added. Accordingly, the prices of 60 types of essential medicines including paracetamol, amoxicillin, aspirin, thyroxine and glipizide have been reduced with effect from yesterday.

However, the Government Medical Officers’ Association claims that the prices of medicines should be further revised to provide concessions to the public relative to the increase in the prices of medicines that occurred recently.