• Says SPC and MSD are the parties responsible

The National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) stated that they are not at fault for a shortage of pharmaceutical drugs, if any, although certain parties continue to target it and level accusations.

In the wake of a shortage of over 100 types of medicines in the country, institutions such as the NMRA, the State Pharmaceuticals Corporation (SPC), and the Medical Supplies Division (MSD) of the Health Ministry are frequently being blamed.

When contacted by The Daily Morning, the NMRA Chairperson Dr. Ananda Wijewickrama said that the responsibility of purchasing pharmaceutical drugs lies with the SPC, while the MSD handles the assessment and communication of drug-related needs. Based on that, he said, the required supplies are provided accordingly.

"Some delays in the supply of medicines have occurred due to past issues within the system. However, the relevant institutions are already working to resolve these. Of them, some issues may take more time to be fully addressed. We, as the NMRA, are not responsible for them. Despite this, certain parties continue to accuse us, as they are targeting the NMRA," he alleged.

Meanwhile, the NMRA stated recently that it requested the Criminal Investigation Department to investigate individuals making baseless allegations against several of its officials. Dr. Wijewickrama said that these accusations, many of which are circulating on social media platforms and even naming specific officers, have not been backed by any formal complaints or evidence.

The NMRA, established under the NMRA Act, No. 05 of 2015, is tasked with ensuring the safety and quality of medicines in Sri Lanka.