Maximum price mark on medicine packs a must

Ishara MUDUGAMUWA

It has been made compulsory to indicate the maximum retail price of all medicine from January 1, Co-operative and Internal Trade Minister Johnston Fernando said.

Addressing the media at the ministry yesterday, Minister Fernando said according to the Consumer Affairs Authority Act No 9 of 2003, 10(1), all medicine and vitamin manufacturers and importers should state the maximum retail price on all medicine packs.

“Only importers and manufacturers are allowed to state the maximum retail price of medicine and salesmen cannot do it.

All retail prices should be communicated to the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA). All these measures have been taken on the instructions of President Mahinda Rajapaksa,” Fernando said.

He said the President directed both the Health Ministry and CAA to take immediate measures to control the prices of medicines and drugs last year.

“ As the first step, the CAA was taking measures to make it compulsory for manufacturers to mark the maximum prices of medicine. The government always took people - friendly decisions. The ministry will take measures to ensure justice and protect the people’s rights,” he said.

Consumer Affairs Authority chairman Rumy Marshook and several officials were also present.