Health Ministry admits quality issues in 63 drugs in 2023

21 July 2023 06:32 am Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 18 Bookmark

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The Health Ministry has acknowledged that a total of 63 drugs have failed quality tests in 2023, Additional Secretary to the Health Ministry, Dr. Saman Rathnayake, disclosed during a news briefing held at the Ministry auditorium yesterday.

Dr. Rathnayake emphasized that among the drugs identified, some have been withdrawn, withheld, or discontinued. He also stated that quality failures are not uncommon and have been observed in the past, leading to drug withdrawals.

However, he expressed concern over certain trade union representatives and media outlets sensationalizing the issue.

Furthermore, Dr. Rathnayake provided data indicating that there have been a total of 585 cases of quality failures since 2017. The highest number of such cases, 96, was reported in 2019, while 86 drugs failed quality tests in 2022.

Upon further investigation by the Daily Mirror, it was discovered that out of the drugs that failed quality tests, 53 were manufactured in India, while a few drugs were locally produced and others originated from Pakistan and Bangladesh.

Comments - 18

Dr. D.M.R. Samarasinghe Friday, 21 July 2023 06:51 AM

Not only 63 drugs it should be more. Anyway, when the Health Minister gets commission and bring down Indian cheapest, qualityless drugs it is going to be serious. Either he should be thrown out by the President or he must resign admitting the fault.

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Sam Silva Friday, 21 July 2023 09:08 PM

First the president should be thrown out for not taking the responsibility and going on his joy trips.

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Prof. J.M. Jamaldeen Friday, 21 July 2023 06:54 AM

It is proved now that drugs without quality been bought from India. We under-stood Mr. Kehliya Rambukwella (Health Minister) directly involves with the suppliers for his commission. What a curse?

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Rukman Balasooriya (Snr. Journalist) Friday, 21 July 2023 06:59 AM

When Dr. Saman Ratnayake confirms there were 63 drugs failed the quality test, it is confirmed. Now what do you want to say Rambukwella? Are you going to sack Dr. Saman Ratnayake or are you going to step down??

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L Jaya Friday, 21 July 2023 08:19 AM

This is an act of damage control. Whatever said and done, the number of hospital deaths on the increase. Need to find the root cause rather than beating around the bush.

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Amaran Friday, 21 July 2023 08:32 AM

Now only, you say that QUALITY TESTS WERE FAILED. Why you all were silent on this?

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joshua Friday, 21 July 2023 08:59 AM

We are having one of the worst Health Ministers of this country talking bullshit now and then. There is an army of SLPP rogues seated next to him to support all his misdeeds. Surely the NCM of SJB will be defeated as in this country nothing good happens thru these politicians

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Dr. T.V. Gunaratne Friday, 21 July 2023 09:57 AM

At least now Mr. Rambukwella without being stubborn get out from your seat. Thanks a million to Dr. Saman Ratnayake for disclosing the facts.

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RuwanL Friday, 21 July 2023 09:59 AM

Please remember those who vote against the no confidence motion during General Elections. The minster should be sacked! It's time for him to resign from the Parliament too as he is not fit to be a people's representative!

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bandula senarathne Friday, 21 July 2023 10:44 AM

Like to see "run out" soon

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European Friday, 21 July 2023 11:25 AM

In Gambia parents of children poisened by sirup take the government to court.

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Mahesh Friday, 21 July 2023 05:44 PM

This is a tip of the iceberg similar to the Gas Cylinders explosion issues we all faced previously. It looks like the market is flooded with unregulated drugs due to cost constraints and patients are dying unnecessarily on this cause. Who is taking the responsibility in the Health Ministry?

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dana Saturday, 22 July 2023 06:37 AM

Does Rambukwella knows what ratnayaka reveling if so this happening with consent of minister

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Dr. K.W. Chandrasena Saturday, 22 July 2023 08:24 AM

May be like the chronic

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Prof. J.K. Jayasealan [from Jaffna] Saturday, 22 July 2023 08:27 AM

No way and it is not wise enough to Hon. Keyliya Rambukwella to remain in the Health Ministry or any other Ministry as he is proved to be a king of commission as at now.

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T.N.J. Bernard Thomas [ATTORNEY-AT-LAW] Saturday, 22 July 2023 08:32 AM

Oh my God 63 drugs !!! what a curse Mr. Rambukwella what a lot of Commission you would have got bringing quality less drugs from your friendly dealers in India and earning for yourself. Please get out without wasting our time.

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rbh Saturday, 22 July 2023 01:21 PM

Where is quality control for the inspections now the people are taking the injection and after death the quality of the medicine is inspected? counting one year as adverse sreaction medicines is making the people life short. Health Ministry admits quality issues in 63 drugs in 2023

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ANNECUNT Saturday, 22 July 2023 03:56 PM

Who gave this important post ( health minister ) to mr kahelia , when we already learned a lesson by giving finance minister post to an uneducated petrol pump attendent like mr Basil Rajapaksa

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