Pharma industry relieved by Paracetamol price adjustment

• Reminds Govt. that other lifesaving drugs also need similar consideration
• Importers request prices of 71 price-controlled molecules inclusive of 10 cancer molecules to be adjusted to ensure continued availability
• NCDs account for 80% of Sri Lankan deaths; continued import of essential medicines is critical

The Sri Lanka Chamber of the Pharmaceutical Industry (SLCPI) yesterday commended the Ministry of Health’s decision to increase the control price of Paracetamol. At the same time, the SLCPI also requested policymakers to adjust the price of other essential medicines currently under price control, to ensure continued availability of these drugs in the market.

In this context, the SLCPI anticipates an urgent upward price adjustment of 18% on all price-controlled products as per a written request made to the Chairman of the pricing committee of

the National Medicines Regulatory Authority on 1 September 2021..

“Paracetamol is widely used to treat symptoms of the Omicron variant and Dengue, both of which are growing health concerns in the country. An increase in the control price makes it possible for importers and local manufacturers to ensure that the drug does not go out of stock in pharmacies,” said the Chamber. It will now cost Rs. 2.30 per tablet, up from Rs. 1.71 – a 35% increase.

The SLCPI is also worried about continued access for patients to therapies that treat non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and cancer. NCDs cause over 80% of all deaths in Sri Lanka. 

SLCPI pointed out that importation of essential and lifesaving medicines continues to be challenging, given Sri Lanka’s current macro-economic realities and price increases in global raw material (API – Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient). A depreciating rupee, increasing logistics costs and inflation have compounded high import costs.

“85% of pharmaceutical products consumed in the country are imported. All essential drugs have been under price control since October 2016 onwards, without an equitable and transparent pricing mechanism,” officials at SLCPI pointed out. Steep changes in exchange rates need to be adjusted through a sustainable pricing mechanism.”

Highlighting patient needs and wellbeing as the industry’s most critical priority, the Chamber requested authorities to consider designing and implementing a pricing mechanism that would periodically review market prices, import costs and other relevant access issues to prevent medicine shortages.