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Almost everyday articles and letters have appeared in the local
dailies on the subject of ‘Generic Versus Branded’ drugs. Some are in
favour of the doctors whilst some others are in favour of the patients.
Of course as everybody will agree, the patient should be given centre
stage in this controversy.
Why is the authorities dilly-dallying in the implementation of the
National Medicinal Drugs Policy? This was initially worked out by the
late Professor Senaka Bibile who was revered and respected worldwide.
His policy was primarily intended to make quality drugs available to
the population at very affordable prices. This in turn would result in
the saving of millions of dollars in forex due to stopping the import of
non-essential drugs bearing expensive brand names.
The NMDP was adopted as far back as 2005 after only two workshops.
The SLCPI quite rightly alleges that the whole exercise was stage
managed. How could such an important policy be adopted after only two
workshops.
It looks like vested interest are trying to force the Government to
dilute, undermine or derail the proposed policy. If that happens then
not only the wealth of the Nation, but also the health of the nation
could be robbed - a dangerous situation.
To reach a final decision on this all important issue, the Minister
of Healthcare and Nutrition should appoint a Committee comprising
members of SLCPI, Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association, Drug
Regulatory Committee of the Ministry, Medical Specialists Association,
State Pharmaceutical Government Corporation, G.M.O.A., S.L.M.C., Govt.
Pharmacists Association, Director-General of Health Services, I.M.P.A.
etc. A time limit of about a month should be given for the Committee to
reach a final decision.
Thereafter legislation should be passed to set up the long-delayed
and much awaited National Medicinal Drugs Policy.
This will also serve as a tribute to the late Professor Senaka Bibile
who initially worked out this policy.
Health Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva please take note of this
matter.
VERNON -
Dehiwala
With reference to my article on the existence of Buddhism before the
arrival of Arahath Mahinda in the Daily News of June 18, I received the
following e-mail from one Thangav.
What happened to the Yaaksas and Nagas? Did they get assimilated by
the immigrant from India? When did Sinhalese come to be considered a
separate race from the original inhabitants of Lanka?
My reply to him was: I am only interested in Buddhism and Science.
Buddhism transcends Sinhalese, Tamils and all other races in this world.
This is my answer to your question. I suggest that you pose that
question to an Anthropologist who will be qualified to answer to your
satisfaction.
DR. KEERTHI JAYASEKERA -
Via email
I had just purchased a copy of the latest Annual Report of the
Central Bank.
As I normally do, I went through the report briefly and found it as
usual ‘very educational, informative, full of substance’ and a
‘storehouse of knowledge’, which indeed is entirely due to the efforts
of the officials of the Bank and its team.
Another item that struck me, which is very imperative, is the price
at which it is sold to the public, a nominal price of Rs. 300.
I am fully aware of the fact that it is heavily subsidised, by the
Government of the day which I think is a very correct and noble act by
the Bank, especially with the runaway inflation in the country and the
high Cost of Living as it would be affordable, not only to institutions
and libraries, but also to the average student and average individual to
purchase same.
It is my earnest hope and desire, that the Central Bank continues to
publish the Annual Report and other publications at the subsidised price
and be a ‘shining example’ to the other ‘so called’ publishers,
booksellers and other institutional publishers who demand ‘blood money’,
for their so called ‘Great publications.
I salute the Central Bank and its officials’, for this remarkable and
noble achievement.
AMYN CHATOOR -
Colombo 5
As a retired-Government teacher, I was personally bewildered to find
that the Trade Union action taken by teachers of Sri Lanka by the sick
note campaign to upset the smooth functioning of the school Education
activities is a blatant betrayal of the noble profession of teaching.
Whatever the problems of salary increase or other matters crop up,
the dedicated teachers should not resort to such boycotting of the noble
service to the younger generation. They should have thought twice over
the hasty measure of depriving the students of two days valuable
learning.
Let them resume negotiation with the Government honourably and
patiently.
M.Y.M. MEEADH -
Kandy
The article on the above subject in your journal of June 5 was very
timely, a day after the World Environmental Day.
As I read the article another deadly tower was being constructed in
the adjoining property.
I hastened to address two memos to the Chairman and Director General
of the Environmental Authority. I pin-pointed that the 500 metre rules
had not been observed by them.
The proprietor of the property where the tower is constructed is paid
a rental of Rs. 50,000 per menseum.
If no timely action to remove this death trap is taken before the
next thunder shower, I don’t know how many would leave this world when
thunder strikes to nearby residences.
Anyway the Daily News has warned the victims to be cautious in this
case.
SHELTON PERERA -
Negombo
It is sad to see school children being picked up very early - as
early as 6 am to go to schools which are hardly 2-3 miles away and the
schools start at 8 a.m.
This is because the vans go through circuitous routes, going to
different lanes picking up children and thus taking long time and
getting stuck in traffic too.
Ideally the ‘parents’ of children from adjacent lanes of an area must
get together and arrange a single van to pick up all the children going
to
schools in one direct route.
This way children can leave just before school time and come back
early.
Moreover, the possibility of van drivers abusing the last child to be
dropped off, which we hear so often about, also will be minimised. Even
on a day the van fails to turn up, it will be very easy for the parents
to get together and hire out a vehicle, or to take them in own private
vehicles,
since all will be from nearby neighbourhood, so that the children
will not
miss out on school.
The van drivers too should get together and make this arrangement
easier, by agreeing to exchange their present passengers in order for
each van to pick up children from one area, so that the services run
smooth.
The traffic jams also will be minimised by this scheme.
We have tried this and it is found to be very successful.
DR. MAREENA THAHA REFFAI -
Dehiwela
First they rode in bullock carts
No harm in that, you’ll agree;
then they smashed up hatty walang
Political ‘Kana mutti’, you see
What they did next, takes the cake-
Have you ever seen anything like this-
Blaring horns and headlights on
In these times of crisis
Carrying food and water to the flood hit people,
Showing the way to proper garbage disposal
Collective effort to minimise power consumption
Would have won them accolades and not derision
ERANDINIE MALLIKA RODRIGO DE SILVA
- Panadura
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