Unregistered drugs entering Sri Lanka amid weak oversight, Doctors warn

Colombo, March 6 (Daily Mirror) - Unregistered drugs whose quality has not been tested are being brought into Sri Lanka through ports and airports by pharmaceutical company agents, with the practice reportedly on the rise, Doctors' Trade Union Alliance for Medical and Civil Rights President Specialist Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa warned

He said private pharmacies, attracted by higher profit margins, are purchasing these unregistered drugs through intermediaries instead of buying approved medicines a trend he noted is particularly common in districts including Colombo.

He criticized the Drug Regulatory Authority and the Ministry of Health for failing to take action against offending manufacturers, citing weak administrative and management systems.

The specialist also raised concerns about counterfeit and near-counterfeit drugs being relabeled and sold under recognized brand names.

Dr. Sanjeewa urged President to take immediate action, warning that delays in updating the government’s drug supply system may be facilitating the entry of unregistered medications into the country.