“New Drugs for the New Country” programme SPMC launches Clopidogrel

• It costs the private sector about Rs. 400 million a year to import the drug  

By Rekha Tharangani Fonseka   

The State Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Corporation (SPMC) yesterday launched the medicine ‘Clopidogrel’ under the “New Drugs for the New Country” programme of locally manufacturing drugs.    

Pharmaceutical Production, Supply and Regulation State Minister Prof. Channa Jayasumana, Professor Saroj Pathirana of Colombo University’s Medical Faculty, SPMC Chairman Dr. Uthpala Indrawansa and other officials were present at the occasion.   

Clopidogrel is a drug commonly used by heart patients. A spokesperson for SPMC said it costs the private sector about Rs. 400 million a year to import the drug. 

• Clopidogrel is a drug commonly used by heart patients