Regulate pharmaceutical prices via vibrant competition: Amarawardena

Tuesday, 22 April 2014 00:07 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Whilst halting unhealthy product monopolies; Sri Lanka should regulate pharmaceutical prices via vibrant competition. Secretary to the Ministry of Cooperatives and Internal Trade G.K.D. Amarawardena has emphasised on the need to regulate pharmaceutical prices through vibrant competition whilst bringing a halt to unhealthy product monopolies. This important message was included in the secretary’s speech at the eighth annual sales conference of Markss HLC Ltd, where he was the guest of honour. He further stressed the need to distribute products in a systematic manner to ensure they reach needy patients throughout the country. The keynote address of the session was made by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chairman Dr. Nalaka Godahewa. Dr. Godahewa in an inspirational speech on motivation said, in an organisation irrespective of departments dedicated for finance, administration, HR or marketing that they are attached to, each and every worker is contributing directly or indirectly towards the sales process. Thus the whole workforce at the end of the day becomes part and parcel of the selling process of the organisation. Thus he emphasised irrespective of job profile/description, employees need to enhance their selling skills constantly if they are to succeed in life. Markss HLC Ltd Managing Director Rajiv Nanayakkara presented the way-forward and future potentials of the company. He said, in the years to come Markss will identify pharmaceutical products that presently cater to a monopolised niche to be launched in the Sri Lanka’s mass market. “This exercise will immensely benefit patients, the Ministry of Health and the country at large. We are mindful and determined to enhance the company’s role towards social responsibility via such worthy causes,” he stressed. He said, in the previous year Markss has strategically established a range of general and critical healthcare products in the marketplace and with the ongoing restructuring, the company would forecast a 100% growth. He said Markss will also venture into cosmetics and medical equipment market segments with a view to developing its markets. Nanayakkara further stated, among many such achievements of the company during the past year one significance was tying up with three of the world’s leading bio-tech companies specialised in critical-care products. “This has been a milestone in the history of Markss HLC,” said a beaming Nanayakkara.