(LANKAPUVATH | COLOMBO) – Health Minister Dr. Keheliya Rambukwella points out that the plan to locally produce 40 percent of the medicines needed in this country is currently being implemented and 20 percent of the target has been achieved by now.
The Minister said that through the local production of the needed medicines, it will be possible to save a large amount of money spent on importing medicines, and this is expected to provide a significant relief to the ongoing dollar crisis.
The Minister made these observations at an event held at the premises of the State Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Corporation in Ratmalana on the occasion of the release of three locally produced medicines to the market.
The locally manufactured Levothyroxine 50 mcg for thyroxine deficiency, Omeprazole 20 mg capsules for preventing gastric acidity and Mefenamic Acid 50 mg tablets for pain relief were officially released to the open market yesterday.
These drugs will be released to government hospitals and the private sector, and the State Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Corporation points out that this is a major achievement in the country’s pharmaceutical industry.
The officials of the State Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Corporation apprised the Minister of the problems existing in the production of pharmaceuticals in the country as well as the targeted program and the Minister advised the officials to pay more attention to achieve the proper goals of the pharmaceutical production required by the country while solving the deficiencies promptly.
The Minster also pointed out that the government has given priority to importing essential raw materials for the production of medicines in this country and many programs are already being undertaken to achieve the future goals.
The Minister said that despite the current crisis in the country, although unnecessary supply chains are at risk, more attention is being paid to the health sector.
He pointed out that nothing can equal the impact of the lack of medicines on the patients and therefore the government’s attention for the health services of the people of the country will not be reduced in any way.
The Minister pointed out that if all the medicines needed by the country can be produced locally, it will be a great achievement and the responsibility of the State Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Corporation is paramount.
Minister Rambukwella said the medicines needed for clinical and outpatient departments in government hospitals are currently being produced locally in large quantities and it is expected to be further increased and implemented continuously.
A group of officials from the Ministry of Health including Mr. Janaka Sri Chandragupta, Secretary of the Ministry of Health also participated in this event.
