Missing NMRA files contain data on medicines imported by previous govt. at higher prices: Minister

The 5925 files out of the database of National Medicine Regulatory Authority (NMRA) which have been erased or disappeared contain data on medicines imported by the previous regime at exceptionally high prices, State Minister  Channa Jayasumana informed Parliament today.

Dr. Jayasumana who was responding to a question raised by Leader of Opposition Sajith Premadasa said the erased data contained information of a list of medicines which were imported at a higher price in 2019.

These medicines include Captopril Syrup 100ml which has been imported at Rs. 55,195 during the last regime  whereas the present regime had paid only Rs. 373 for a 100ml bottle, Lorazepam injection 4mg in 1ml ampoule which was  imported at Rs. 18,330 in 2019 where as the present regime  bought for 373. Metaraminol Injection 10mg in 1ml ampoule has been purchased for Rs. 20,611  whereas the present regime had paid only Rs. 3,975 for it.

The list which was tabled by the state Minister comprises around 40 varieties of medicines which were brought in paying exorbitant prices during the last regime. “However the data pertaining to the purchase of COVID vaccines have not been destroyed and they are safe,” he said.

“EPIC Ltd which has signed a contract with NMRA has breached the agreement as it has failed to maintain a backup system to save the data. The database of NMRA has been weak and the institution has failed to rectify and maintain it,” he added.

Dr. Jayasmuna assured that those who are behind erasing the data and those who have been wasting funds to purchase medicines at expediently high prices will also be dealt with. (Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana)