NMRA says forex crisis led to medicine shortage 

The National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) yesterday clarified that the main reason for the medicine shortage was the foreign exchange crisis.

“Steps have been taken to release medicine and medical equipment donated to the country without delay after assessing the quality of the drugs,” NMRA noted in a statement issued yesterday in response to allegations that the authority was responsible for the prevailing shortage in the country.

It also clarified an allegation made during a discussion held with the participation of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, a group of Ministers, Trade Union Leaders and Heads of State institutions on Wednesday.

“The main reason for the medicines shortage was the foreign exchange crisis, which has also affected the supply of essential commodities,” the statement said, adding that all matters were outside the purview of the Authority.

It also said the allegations levelled over the delay in the release of medicines and equipment are baseless. The NMRA also denied allegations pertaining to local manufacturers of pharmaceuticals and medical devices being discouraged.

“A separate unit has been set up within the NMRA to encourage local manufacturers,” it said, adding that through the project over 150 types of drugs have been registered within the last two months.

It also said blaming the authority without understanding the nature of the issue in the country or deliberately concealing it would only aggravate the current crisis.