The National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) has filled over 60 vacancies in a move aimed at improving its operational efficiency, following serious concerns raised in a recent audit report about delays and lapses in drug regulation.

Speaking to The Daily Morning, NMRA Chairperson Dr. Ananda Wijewickrama said that approval had been received to recruit officers, and that around 60 to 70 new staff members were recruited over the past month (April). “Some of them were given their appointment letters on 14 May. With these new additions, we hope to improve our efficiency,” added Dr. Wijewickrama.

The recruitment drive comes in the wake of a 2023 report by the National Audit Office, which revealed major shortcomings within both the NMRA and the Medical Supplies Division of the Health Ministry. According to the report, by the end of 2023, over 1,500 medicines remained unregistered, with many bypassing the legally required evaluations for quality, safety, and efficacy. Staff shortages were among the key issues flagged in the report, which stated that 337 quality inspections had been left incomplete due to the lack of skilled personnel. It also highlighted the alarming fact that 95% of the medicines submitted for registration in 2023 had not undergone mandatory sample testing.

The NMRA is committed to ensuring the safety, efficacy, and quality of medicines in the country. The subjects coming under its regulation include manufacturing, importation, distribution, and the sale of medicines.