Sri Lanka to ink MoUs with regional countries for pharmaceutical supplies

Thursday, 3 July 2025 04:54 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Framework allows direct deals between nominated foreign suppliers and SPC
Senior officials’ committee formulates system to identify suitable countries for G2G sourcing
Identifies seven countries—India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Thailand and Türkiye for potential MoUs
Cabinet Spokesman and Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa says list of 113 registered pharmaceuticals submitted for export under program
Confirms four countries have already expressed interest in supplying medical items
Says priority given to affordable prices and quick delivery timelines
Aims to address critical shortages in healthcare system affecting patient care

The Cabinet of Ministers on Tuesday approved entering into Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with eligible countries for the supply of urgently required pharmaceuticals and medical appliances.

Under this framework, direct agreements will also be signed between entities nominated by the respective Government and the State Pharmaceutical Corporation (SPC) to procure items difficult to secure through regular supply chains.

On 19 May 2025, the Cabinet approved the appointment of a senior officials’ committee tasked with formulating a system to identify suitable countries from which to source essential pharmaceuticals through direct Government-to-Government (G2G) agreements.

Based on the committee’s recommendations and after obtaining the observations of the National Procurement Commission, a draft methodology has now been finalised.

Speaking at the weekly post-Cabinet meeting media briefing yesterday, Cabinet Spokesman and Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said that the country is set to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with several countries to secure pharmaceuticals under G2G arrangements.

He confirmed that seven countries India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Thailand and Türkey to secure pharmaceuticals under G2G arrangements. “We have submitted a list of 113 registered pharmaceuticals for export to Sri Lanka under the program. Already four countries India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Indonesia have expressed interest in supplying the medical supplies,” he added.

The Minister said all these companies are registered with the regulatory authority in the respective countries.

“In considering these initiatives, we are looking at two factors—price and short time frames in which we want the medical supplies,” he added.

The move comes in response to critical shortages in the country’s healthcare system, which have disrupted patient care and strained public hospitals. The proposal to this effect was submitted by Health Minister Dr. Jayatissa was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers.

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