President firm on regulations introduced to reduce prices of medicinal drugs

President Maithripala Sirisena has asserted that the Government will not reverse its decision to implement the Senaka Bibile National Drugs Policy and rules and regulations introduced under the policy to reduce prices of medicinal drugs will continue to be enforced.

The President said the implementing of the Senaka Bibile National Drugs Policy is an essential move in the good governance Government’s commitment to improve national health standards and to provide safe and affordable medicine for all.

Addressing a function held Sunday in Gampaha to hand over the six-storied Sanasa Suwa Sevana Clinic built by the Gampaha District Sanasa Development Bank, to the Gampaha General Hospital, the President said discussions were held with relevant officials in order to address all concerns and all reports of drug shortages and issues surrounding pricing will be addressed soon.

The President said drug manufacturers have a major role to play in this issue and called on the private sector to support the Government’s move to provide people with medicine at reduced prices.

According to the President, discussions have been held with health officials and officers of the state pharmaceutical cooperation pertaining to the implementation of rules and regulations of the national policy and the Government will not reverse the decision to implement the policy as people have demanded affordable medicine for some time.

The Gampaha District Sanasa Development Bank has built the building at a cost of Rs. 106 m for the Gampaha General Hospital as one of their community services.

Gampaha District Chairman Attorney Lalith Jayasuriya handed over the Sannasa - the document transferring the ownership of the building to the President - and the President handed it to Gampaha General Hospital Director Dr. Priyantha Tennakoon.

Following the official function, the President engaged in an observation tour of the maternity ward complex of the hospital and distributed nutritious food to pregnant mothers. The President also presented mementos to those who have donated for the construction of the building.

Former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, Minister John Amaratunga, Deputy Ministers Lasantha Alagiyawanna, Lasantha Wijesekara, Gampaha District MP Ajith Mannapperuma, Western Provincial Council Minister and SDB Chief Dr. PA Kiriwawndeniya were present on this occasion. (ColomboPage)