NMRA raises red flag over costly Indian cancer drugs in pharmacies

By Sheain Fernandopulle  

The National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) has gone on alert amid concerns that Indian cancer drugs are being sold at exorbitant prices in private pharmacies.   

Speaking to Daily Mirror, NMRA Chief Executive Officer Dr. Kumudu Bandara said the regulator is closely monitoring the situation following claims by health sector associations that unregistered Indian cancer medicines are freely available in pharmacies near major hospitals.   

“The NMRA routinely carries out market surveillance to detect substandard or unregistered medicines. If a formal complaint is received regarding the availability of Indian cancer drugs, we will intensify surveillance and conduct targeted raids,” Dr. Bandara said.   

The issue was flagged by the Doctors’ Trade Union Alliance for Medical and Civil Rights, which warned that shortages at government hospitals particularly the Maharagama Apeksha Hospital have forced specialists to direct patients to private pharmacies outside hospital premises.   

The union alleged that while some medicines are sold cheaply, others not supplied by the State are sold at several times their normal price.