NMRA, SPC, SPMC, MSD must take responsibility of providing continuous supply of quality medicines: Minister

• Says government is to give top most priority to strengthen Sri Lanka’s primary health care system  

By Ajith Siriwardana  

Stressing the need to resolve issues in the supply of medicines soon, Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said the National Medicine Regulatory Authority (NMRA), State Pharmaceuticals Corporation (SPC), State Pharmaceuticals Manufacturing Corporation (SPMC) and Medical Supplies Division (MSD) must take the responsibility of providing quality medicines to the people continuously.   

The Minister said the four institutions - NMRA,SPC, SPMC and MSD must work in tandem and that the government is ready to make necessary changes and amend laws in that regard.   

Speaking at a meeting with officials, he said the government is to give top most priority to strengthen Sri Lanka’s primary health care system.   

“We hope to implement a policy and an action plan which does not change when a government or minister changes. We need a national policy and a programme. We need a quality transformation in health sector. Our proposal is to give top most priority to strengthen our primary health care system in the next decade,” he said.