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Tuesday, 15 January 2013 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Top down policies without proper consultation can wreak havoc within society, especially when it has to do with the tenuous healthcare system of the country. The Government’s decision to demand three language labeling has resulted in difficulties for the industry and is questionable whether due consultation was carried out before the regulation was introduced.

The President of the Sri Lanka Cosmetics and Neutraceuticals Traders Association Ahamed Rheyas appealed on behalf of the Association to the Health Minister seeking an extension of the deadline to implement the three language labelling requirement with effect from 1 January 2013 by one year. Although the association appreciates the need for such labelling, it has pointed out some of the difficulties encountered in implementing the order within the stipulated time limit.

The international suppliers are facing difficulties in printing small number of cartons and boxes in three languages. The Sinhala and Tamil languages fonts have to be encrypted on to the packaging, which for the country’s small volume requirements is not a viable proposition. However, this can be insisted upon given an extended period of one more year before it is made mandatory.

The association has suggested that all products manufactured after 1 January 2014 to have labels in three languages, smaller packs of 10g and below to have the three language texts only in the pack inserts, and all liquid preparations in small ampoules and tubes (e.g. serum) with 10ml or below also to have three languages text only in the pack insert.

They have also pointed out that currently imported stocks which are already in the market will definitely have a little more than one year’s shelf life. This extension by one year will give the traders time to liquidate these stocks. Therefore, the authorities will be able to insist on implementation beyond the cut-off limit of 1 January 2014.

Clearly Sri Lanka’s health sector has bigger problems with wage issues that result in sporadic strikes to the colossal losses in public funds under the State Pharmaceutical Corporation. Sporadic medicine shortages as well as substandard import of drugs regularly hit the headlines, showing that there are far more serious issues that need to be dealt with.

Health Minister Maithreepala Sirisena was prominently quoted recently saying that health services had improved during his tenure and that the greatest praise the sector could earn was public approval. Few would argue with the second part of his statement as benefits to the public should be the ultimate goal. But policy decisions made without proper consultation and transparency will not benefit the public.

It is true that the pharmaceutical industry needs to be regulated, but the ends do not justify the means. There should be ongoing private-public dialogue that will protect patients as well as industry interests. Moreover, there should also be a strategic and honest attempt by the Government to reduce excesses by the public healthcare system so that public money and patients are protected.

Rampant corruption and impunity have eroded the respect held for the public healthcare system and only a comprehensive address of issues will provide real solutions to all stakeholders.