SLCPI joins forces with US Embassy, AmCham and NIPO against counterfeit drugs

The Sri Lanka Chamber of Pharmaceutical Industry (SLCPI) together with the US Embassy, The American Chamber of Commerce and the National Intellectual Property Organisation (NIPO) is set to launch the first out of four workshops on “Protecting Sri Lankan Families from counterfeit Drugs” scheduled to be held on 17 October in Colombo.

The initiative taken by the SLCPI will be sponsored majorly by the US Department of state and additional funds will be provided by the SLCPI and the US Embassy.

The event is focused towards educating the pharmacy owners, pharmacists, students, Police, Customs officials and even the general public about the counterfeit drugs that have become a menace to society and also claimed the lives of many big and small.

Minister of Health Maithripala Sirisena and Ambassador of the United States of America Patricia Butenis, will grace the occasion while Stuart Chapman, Vice President of SLCPI, Dr. D.D.M Karunaratne, Director General of the NIPO are scheduled to speak at the occasion. Dr. B.V.S.H Beneragama, Director of  Medical Technology & Supplies, Ministry of Health and Director of the Drugs Regulatory Authority, President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Sri Lanka, Chinta Abeywardena; Specialist Family Physician & Consultant, Healthcare Management, Dr. Sarath Paranawithana; and Pharmacist and CEO of Ceylincopharma, Shalutha Athauda; will also be speakers at the event. Special educational presentations will be made by Glaxo Ceylon Ltd, Kalbe International and Hettigoda Industries adding more value to the workshop.

The event scheduled to commence at 9 a.m. will be open to the general public and registration will be on availability of seats. The registration fee would be Rs. 500 for Pharmacists and Pharmacy owners while Pharmaceutical students will be charged Rs. 250.