Chamber of Pharmaceutical Industry urges caution on COVID vaccine procurement

• Says procurement must be from registered, market-authorised distributors

The Sri Lanka Chamber of the Pharmaceutical Industry (SLCPI), whilst thanking the Government for its efforts in obtaining vaccines to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic, said yesterday it would continue to collaborate closely to ensure that imports are strictly from legitimate distributors registered with its principals, who are the global manufacturers.

The apex body of the pharmaceutical importers, whose membership represents all the large players in global vaccine manufacture, reiterated that procurement of any vaccine for COVID-19 should mandatorily be from registered, market authorised distributors, approved by the global manufacturers. 

While the purchasing of vaccines remains on a government to government level, SLCPI stated it would continue to facilitate and support the drive but insisted that authenticity of the source was paramount in guaranteeing patient safety.

Typically at times of pandemic, a surge of illegal and counterfeit products enters various markets, driven by desperation and available through shady means.

“We cannot stress enough the obligation by those attempting to import vaccines at this time, to precisely ensure that such products are not obtained from illegitimate traders and errant suppliers, who cannot guarantee cold-chain and other pharma compliance regulations, posing huge risks to the population at large.”

SLCPI emphasised that all the major vaccine manufacturers were represented by their membership and work closely with the parent company continuously.  

The SLCPI currently serves as the representative of over 60 members who account for more than 85% of the private pharmaceutical industry, spanning manufacturers, importers, distributors and retailers. These stakeholders supply Sri Lankan patients with over 800 molecules from 364 different manufacturers across the world.