• The GMOA called on the Health Ministry and NMRA to gather all relevant stakeholders to discuss enhancing the legal framework and regulatory standards

By Sheain Fernandopulle   

In the wake of recent sentiments expressed by the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA), the Health Ministry and the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) are keen to address concerns over the influx of substandard beauty products and cosmetics that lack proper regulation.   

 The GMOA recently called on the Health Ministry and NMRA to gather all relevant stakeholders to discuss enhancing the legal framework and regulatory standards.   

This initiative aims to address serious public health concerns, such as skin diseases, caused by the distribution of substandard products.  

Dr. Haritha Aluthge, Secretary of the GMOA, advocated for a collaborative approach to tackle this complex issue that endangers public health. He noted that the current NMRA Act lacks the necessary provisions to effectively address the problem.  

Dr. Aluthge emphasized that beauty and cosmetic products manufactured according to scientific guidelines and recommendations can safely deliver the desired benefits within the existing legal frameworks.  

Commenting on the situation, a senior official from the Health Ministry told Daily Mirror highlighted that the NMRA Act makes it illegal to import or distribute unregistered cosmetics and devices.   

Manufacturing and storing cosmetics without registration and in violation of approved standards is also prohibited.   

Despite these regulations, the official admitted that a significant number of unregistered cosmetics continue to be imported through various channels and are readily available in the market.  

In response to this situation, the Health Ministry is taking steps to address the matter by engaging in discussions with relevant stakeholders.