Sri Lanka loses large amount of foreign exchange due to import of unnecessary drugs: Health Minister

• Will adopt scientific solution to address this issue

By Ajith Siriwardana

Asserting that Sri Lanka loses a large amount of foreign exchange due to the import of unnecessary drugs, Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said yesterday the government will adopt a scientific solution to address this issue.
The Minister told the media during a walk organised to educate the public on Antibiogram resistance, that the government will implement laws and enact new laws if needed to address the issue of importing and prescribing unnecessary drugs.

He said antibiogram resistance is growing into a serious catastrophe not only globally but locally as well, adding that it is among the first ten health hazards in the world.

The Minister revealed that some 2,300 people have died in Sri Lanka due to this issue.

“This is an issue which needs an immediate solution. We hope to strengthen the mechanism from importing medicines to the country and prescribing them. 

Antibiogram resistance is not only a health issue. Sri Lanka loses a large amount of dollars due to the import of unnecessary drugs to the country and prescribing them. We spend a considerable amount of money on medicines and if the expected services are not provided to the people, it will be a loss to the economy,” he said.