Pharmaceutical Chamber supports implementation of medicinal policy
Tuesday, 22 October 2013 00:20
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The Sri Lanka Chamber of the Pharmaceutical Industry (SLCPI), once again reiterated its support to the Government, especially to the health authorities on the implementation of a national policy on medicinal drugs.
SLCPI President Stuart Chapman said that it is important for Sri Lanka as a country to have a well-balanced medicinal drug policy that ultimately serves the best interest of patients. He said that such a policy must ensure the provision of quality healthcare to the people of Sri Lanka in line with the aims of the ‘Mahinda Chinthanaya’ and the efforts of the Minister of Health Maithripala Sirisena to provide medicines that are safe and efficacious to our people.
Stuart Chapman said the SLCPI supports measures taken by the Government to weed out suppliers of poor quality pharmaceutical from the country. He said the SLCPI, the largest body representing the pharmaceutical industry consisting of importers, local manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers and retailers is ready to review the relevant regulations which are being formulated and to offer its suggestions to the Government to establish a medicinal policy that not only meets the aspirations of our people but also ensures consistent supply of quality pharmaceuticals to both the government and private sectors. He said the Minister of Health had assured the SLCPI that the draft regulations when ready would be comprehensively discussed with the SLCPI and all relevant stakeholders prior to it being presented to Parliament.
Chapman said, “Sri Lanka has achieved some remarkable indices in the area of healthcare and the SLCPI as a significant stakeholder in the healthcare industry is proud of its contribution towards this national achievement.” He commended the Government for maintaining one of the most unique healthcare systems in the world where both free healthcare from the government and private healthcare go hand in hand. Today patients have a wide choice, from being able to walk into any government hospital and have their health needs attended to free of charge, to obtaining paid services from the private sector.”
While appreciating Government’s achievements in health care, he said the SLCPI will continue to partner with the Government to further improve in areas such as Quality of pharmaceuticals, procurement systems, maintenance of cold chain and uninterrupted supply of medicines.
