PPPs to manufacture medicinal drugs at low cost

The Cabinet of Ministers on Tuesday approved a proposal by the Health Minister to form Public Private Partnerships to manufacture medicines at a low cost.

Senarathne’s proposal aims at encouraging investors to enter into joint ventures with State Pharmaceuticals Manufacturing Cooporation to produce quality medicines at a low cost. The proposal aims at reducing the high foreign exchange involved in importing the medicinal drug requirement to the country each year, Cabinet Spokesperson Gayantha Karunatilake said yesterday.

A committee of officials has been appointed by the ministry to evaluate opportunities in this regard, the proposal states.