Sri Lanka toughens stance on substandard drugs

In a move to address concerns over the quality and safety of pharmaceuticals, Sri Lanka has escalated penalties for supplying substandard medicines. The decision follows revelations implicating former health minister and top officials in the importation of low-quality Immunoglobulin injections.

Under the new regulations, individuals caught selling or distributing substandard drugs will face a substantially increased fine, soaring from a mere Rs.100 to Rs.100,000. Previously, fines for similar offenses were nominal, failing to deter illicit practices in the pharmaceutical sector.

The initiative, championed by Dr. Wijayadasa Rajapaksa, the Minister of Judicial Prison Affairs and Constitutional Reform, underscores the government’s commitment to upholding standards in healthcare delivery. The Cabinet of Ministers has endorsed the proposal, signaling a unified effort to clamp down on the circulation of compromised medications.