Govt seeks public input on drug procurement process

By Sheain Fernandopulle  

The Health Ministry invites public, experts, all stakeholders and interested parties to submit their written views, observations suggestions, and recommendations.  This opportunity for input is part of the ministry’s efforts to improve the procurement of quality drugs and equipment at competitive prices.  

Proposals can be submitted via email or in person before September 13, 2023. The designated email addresses for submission are [email protected] and dirtcsighealth.vw.lk. Alternatively, proposals can be hand-delivered to the Director (Tertiary Care Services), Room no 19, Ministry of Health, Colombo 10.  

This is in the wake of the five-member committee appointed to examine issues related to drug procurement, including the identification of obstacles. The committee is chaired by K. Seneviratne, Deputy Secretary to the Treasury, and includes Senior Prof. Manik Hettihewa, Professor of Pharmacology at CINEC Campus, Malabe, University Hospital KDU Executive Director Prof. J. Balawardena, D. Thotawatte, and Dr. P.L. Attapattu, Director of Tertiary Care Services at the Ministry of Health.  

Dr. Attapattu, when asked for comment, told Daily Mirror that this initiative aims to improve the efficiency, transparency, and accountability of procurement methods within the National Medicine Regulatory framework.    “The goal is to implement simplified and transparent procurement processes that ensure a continuous supply of safe and high-quality medicine to meet the evolving needs of society,” he added.