• Health Min. proposes hosp-based monthly reviews to address med. shortages, regional procurement where necessary 

The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) has decided to launch an investigation into a complaint regarding the importation of allegedly substandard pharmaceutical drugs and the distribution of such to hospitals.

In a letter addressed to the Citizens’ Power Against Bribery, Corruption and Waste organisation’s President Kamantha Thushara, the latter being the complainant, the CIABOC stated that the decision was taken after examining the complaint and the information submitted. The complaint was lodged by the organisation in December of last year (2025), following reports that two patients had died after being administered a particular injection that was later withdrawn by the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA). 

Thushara said there were allegations the pharmaceutical company in question had imported substandard drugs on more than 100 occasions over a period of time. Nine other injectable medicines imported from the same company had also been withdrawn by the NMRA due to quality-related concerns. The organisation noted that the repeated withdrawal of medicines led to losses running into billions of Rupees for both the Government and the public. Late 2025, the NMRA ordered the immediate withdrawal of 10 injectable medicines used in hospital settings after reports of adverse drug reactions and concerns over product quality. 

The medicines ordered to be withdrawn include: the Ondansetron Injection US  Pharmacopeia (USP) eight mg per four ml, used to prevent nausea and vomiting; the Cefotaxime Sodium for Injection British Pharmacopeia (BP) 1,000 mg, an antibiotic; Co-amoxiclav for Injection BP 1.2 g and 600 mg, used to treat bacterial infections; the Haloperidol Injection BP five mg/ml, prescribed for psychiatric and acute agitation-related conditions; Imipenem/Cilastatin for Injection one gram (g) (500 mg/500 mg), an antibiotic; the Iron Sucrose Injection USP 100 mg/five ml, used in the treatment of iron deficiency anaemia; Meropenem for Injection USP one g, an antibiotic; Piperacillin and Tazobactam for Injection USP 4.5 g, used for serious bacterial infections; and Cefoperazone/Sulbactam for Injection one g, also an antibiotic combination.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Health Minister Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni has proposed the conduct of monthly drug review meetings in every hospital to ensure an uninterrupted supply of medicines. He made these remarks during an inspection visit to the Matara District General Hospital. He emphasised that such review meetings are crucial for identifying potential drug shortages in advance and in implementing timely solutions. He noted that the meetings would also help maintain a continuous supply of medicines within hospitals, including through regional procurement where necessary. Wijemuni further stated that maintaining adequate stocks of essential medicines at all times would provide a sustainable solution to recurring issues related to drug shortages. He added the Health Ministry is consistently working to streamline and strengthen the medicine distribution network under the Medical Supplies Division.