Health Minister directs to reduce medicine prices

Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella 

Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella has instructed health authorities to take prompt steps to reduce medicine prices.

He requested officials of the Health Ministry, the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA), the State Pharmaceuticals Corporation (SPC) and the Medical Supplies Division to devise a plan to bring down the price of medicine at the earliest.

Prices, as per the Minister, should fall by at least 15% as the rupee strengthens against the dollar.

“When the USD rate spiked from Rs. 190 to Rs. 370, the price of medicines and other items increased immediately. People must benefit from a stronger rupee.” Rambukwella added.