Drug prices to be regulated

Friday, 3 April 2015 00:45 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Health Ministry is to implement a mechanism to regulate the prices of drugs in the market under the provisions of the National Drug Policy Act. Accordingly, prices of drugs will see a reduction by one third with the implementation of this mechanism. According to Health and Indigenous Minister Dr. Rajitha Senaratne, the prices of some varieties of drugs are four times higher than their Cost, Insurance and Freight (CIF) prices in the open market and he has started discussion with the officials on how prices of drugs can be reduced in the open market. The Minister said that imposing a controlled price for each and every drug in the open market is not viable under the open economic system. He said that prices of all drugs and medical equipment in the open market will be regulated. “I have already ordered the officials to obtain all details with regard to CIF of drugs, medical equipment and materials,” he said. The Minister said that a percentage, in addition to CIF price, is to be allocated to the supplier as their profit and no one is allowed to exploit the patients. “The health service is not a business but a meritorious service,” he stressed. The Minister was speaking at a ceremony to present appointment letters to nurses held at Temple Trees on 31 March. Minister Senaratne stressed that the health worker should maintain close rapport with the patients. The Minister added that the Government is always ready to give an ear to the woes of heath workers.

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