Local Pharma industry sounds alarm on potential drug shortage

• Expresses concerns over govt’s decision to initiate G2G procurement to fill critical supply gaps

By Sheain Fernandopulle   

In light of the acute shortage of essential medicines, the Sri Lanka Chamber of the Pharmaceutical Industry (SLCPI) is urging the Ministry of Health to act immediately and to rethink its reliance on Government-to-Government (G2G) procurement warning that it may come too late to meet urgent needs. While commending the Ministry’s recent efforts to coordinate with local pharmaceutical manufacturers and other stakeholders, the Chamber expressed alarm over the government’s decision to initiate G2G procurement to fill critical supply gaps. 
According to the SLCPI, although G2G arrangements are well-intentioned, they come with significant procedural and diplomatic delays that could stretch up to two to three months far too long given the urgent situation. 

“Patients need medicines now. We simply cannot afford to wait three months,” the Chamber stated emphasizing that local suppliers already registered with the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) are fully compliant and capable of delivering within two weeks but only if the State Pharmaceuticals Corporation (SPC) immediately issues the required indents and Letters of Credit (LCs).  
“Our members are ready, our plan is in place but time is running out. The delay isn’t in production. It’s in the paperwork. We need decisive action now to avoid a full-blown healthcare crisis.” the Chamber added.