NMRA decisions could jeopardise quality of eye drugs in state hospitals: Dr. Sanjeewa

Colombo , Feb 20 (Daily Mirror) -President of the Medical and Civil Rights Doctors' Trade Union Alliance, Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa, has alleged that arbitrary decision-making by the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) could lead to questionable quality eye medications entering the State hospital system.

Dr. Sanjeewa claimed that the Authority had failed to take into account recommendations made by specialist doctors when procuring certain ophthalmic drugs, thereby potentially compromising patient safety.

He said that medicines administered before and after eye surgeries must adhere to strict quality standards. In particular, he emphasised that the presence of non-medicinal additional components, commonly referred to as “free particles,” should be either zero or maintained at minimal levels.

However, Dr. Sanjeewa alleged that some of the newly procured drugs contain levels that differ from the limits recommended by eye surgeons, raising serious concerns about their suitability for use in surgical procedures.

He further said that ophthalmologists had communicated their concerns to the Chairman of the NMRA, Dr. Ananda Wijewickrama, but claimed that the matter had not been adequately addressed.

Describing the situation as regrettable, Dr. Sanjeewa urged the President to initiate an immediate investigation into the issue. He also highlighted that the NMRA Chairman should bear direct responsibility if any complications arise among patients undergoing eye surgeries in light of these concerns.