NMRA Resumes Price Controls: 350 Drug Prices Reduced
The National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) has taken a significant step towards ensuring affordable healthcare for all. In a recent announcement, the authority's Chairman, Dr. Ananda Wijewickrama, revealed that 350 medicines covering a wide range of conditions, from childhood illnesses to cancer, diabetes, and hypertension, have had their prices reduced.
This decision comes after the Health and Mass Media Minister, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, issued a new gazette, which was subsequently approved by Parliament. Dr. Wijewickrama emphasized that the NMRA has the legal authority to regulate medicine prices under the National Medicines Regulatory Authority Act No. 5 of 2015. However, price controls were temporarily suspended in December 2023 due to a court order obtained by pharmaceutical importers.
With the gazette now in effect, the NMRA has informed suppliers, importers, and manufacturers about the revised price caps. Dr. Wijewickrama urged the public to play a role in this initiative by reporting any pharmacies selling medicines above the approved prices. To further assist the public, the NMRA is developing a dedicated mobile app that will allow users to verify regulated prices easily.
This move by the NMRA is a crucial step towards making essential medications more accessible to the public, especially those with limited financial resources. By reducing drug prices, the authority aims to alleviate the financial burden on patients and their families, ensuring that healthcare remains a fundamental right for all.
