Paracetamol usage increased by 275% due to triple threat: Prof. Jayasumana

Because of the triple threat of Omicron, dengue, and viral flu in society, the demand for paracetamol pills has increased by 275 percent in the last three weeks, State Minister of Production, Supply, and Regulation of Pharmaceuticals (Prof.) Channa Jayasumana said.

While addressing the media after signing agreements with three companies for the construction of 'Suwa Siri Pura' medicine manufacturing zone in the Oyamaduwa area of Anuradhapura, the Minister said the paracetamol pills were used to control the flu conditions of Omicron, Dengue, and Viral Flu and there had been higher demands for paracetamol.

“Due to the increasing prices of the ingredients used to manufacture paracetamol in the world market, most companies are trying not to import them. Therefore, a shortage of paracetamol pills has been incurred in the local market,” he said.

Therefore, the State Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Corporation (SPMC) has taken steps to manufacture the required stocks of paracetamol pills at their maximum capacity, he said. 

Yesterday, nearly 3.2 million paracetamol pills were manufactured to meet the requirement. The SPMC used to manufacture three million paracetamol pills daily to fulfill the requirement. With the increase of paracetamol pill manufacturing, the shortage will be filled within the next few days, the State Minister said.

A special discussion was held at the Finance Ministry last Friday (18), requesting the required dollars to import the ingredients to manufacture the required medicines. (Chaturanga Samarawickrama)