Pharmaceutical industry denies shortage

Tuesday, 1 November 2016 00:34 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Sri Lanka Chamber of Pharmaceutical Industry (SLCPI) in a statement yesterday categorically denied any allegations that its members have been deliberately withholding pharmaceutical stocks to create a shortage in the market as reported by certain sections of the media.

“If patients are not getting drugs from the local pharmacies, it is mainly due to the reluctance of the pharmacies to issue certain medications at the new gazette price without clear instructions from their suppliers/local importers,” the SLCPI said.

The local importers in turn are still awaiting clear instructions from their suppliers as to how they need to price these drugs post the gazette notification by the Government on 21 October.

SLCPI also said it was aware that many of its member companies which are supplying drugs within the list stipulated in the gazette notification had reacted fast and complied with the new drug prices as per regulations.

The SLCPI said it commended this action by the membership as the primary objective was to see that the patients didn’t suffer due to matters that were beyond their control.

Meanwhile, the SLCPI advised all patients to consult their doctors immediately in case there is an unavailability of the brands they use regularly in order to get proper advice on how to do a change over if necessary.

SLCPI has already requested its members to adjust prices to be in line with the new gazette notification and compensate the trade to ensure continuity of product availability, despite some having to absorb huge losses, in order to avoid inconveniencing patients.

The companies face severe loss, since the supply chain holds an average of four to five months of stock purchased at higher prices – an issue that needs to be resolved. This is one of the main reasons why the SLCPI requested a grace period to ensure smooth transition.