Local Manufacturers to Supply Quality Pharmaceutical Products

At a recent event held in Colombo, representatives from the Sri Lanka Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (SLPMA) led by President Mrs. Sugi Sivayogarajan and the Past President, spoke about the recent Public Private Partnership for Local Manufacture of Pharmaceuticals.

Pioneered by top multinational companies, the local manufacture of pharmaceuticals began in the late 1950's, and the majority of these companies were naturalized, leading the local industry to gain from their expertise. However, the local manufacturers were not given the opportunity to thrive, owing to the competition from the freely available imported pharmaceuticals and for the past 50 decades, only 12 local manufacturers provided 15% of the pharmaceuticals required for the country.

At the event, explaining the history of the local manufacturers, Mrs. Sivayogarajan stated that the need to increase local manufacture of essential pharmaceutical requirements was recognized and addressed by the then Honorable Health Minister, His excellency President Maithripala Sirisena.

With the foundation laid down by His Excellency, 17 quality pharmaceutical products were manufactured and delivered for use in government hospitals in 2014, adhering to international standards. The arrangements were continued by the Hon. Minister of Health, Dr. Rajitha Senaratne, and led to the "Guaranteed Buy Back Agreement in a Public and Private Partnership" scheme on 07th July, 2015. 11 local pharmaceutical companies signed the 5 year agreement and 56 quality pharmaceutical products are to be supplied to state hospitals in the calendar year 2015.

The National Medicines Regulatory Act, initiated on 01st July, 2015, will provide additional strength to the industry, providing special recognition to the local industry.

The quality of the products are tested in the laboratories of the SLPMA as well as the laboratories of the Drug Regulatory Authority. Additionally, the factories are approved by the Drug Regulatory Authority, adhering to guidelines laid out by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Nalin Kannangara, a member of the SLPMA stated that no complaints had been received regarding the quality of the pharmaceuticals manufactured by local companies. He further stated that the Health Ministry is involved in monitoring the quality of the products and the manufacturing process is continuously monitored by the Ministry.

The Past President of the SLPMA expressed his hopes that this venture would be beneficial to the country, providing pharmaceutical products whose quality have not been compromised during transportation and storage and that it will be an opportunity to save on foreign currency.