NMRA announces controlled prices for 350 medicines to benefit patients

Colombo, Nov. 17 (Daily Mirror) - The National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) today announced controlled prices for 350 types of medicines, aiming to make essential treatments more affordable for the public.

Addressing the media, NMRA Chairman Dr. Ananda Wijewickrama said the move is intended to improve public health by ensuring medicines are available at regulated prices. He noted that prices of several critical medicines, including those used to treat high blood pressure and cancer, will see significant reductions.

For example, a vial of Paclitaxel (protein-bound particles), used in cancer treatment, will now cost Rs. 26,332.29, down from Rs. 42,000. A 50ml vial of Nimodipine injection, used for treatment of general paralysis, has been reduced to Rs. 4,100.38. Mebendazole 500 mg tablets, known as Wormin 500 and used to treat intestinal worm infections, are now priced at Rs. 50.25, down from Rs. 83.

Dr. Wijewickrama added that this pricing mechanism will continue, with new controlled prices applied for newly registered medicines and license renewals.

He also announced plans to introduce a mobile app to help consumers easily find medicines and their controlled prices. Inspections will be conducted to ensure compliance, and pharmacies will be required to maintain price lists for consumers. Dr. Wijewickrama emphasized that legal action will be taken against pharmacies that sell medicines above the maximum retail prices.

“The public has the right to check the prices of the medicines they purchase, and pharmacies must adhere to the regulated rates,” he said.