‘Ministry committed to implement National Drug Policy’

Sandasen Marasinghe and Disna Mudalige

Minister Sirisena

The Health Ministry is committed to implement the National Drug Policy formulated in line with the Senaka Bibile policies, Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena said in Parliament yesterday.

He said the ministry will take measures to present the National Drug Policy to Parliament.

The minister made these comments in response to a question raised by UNP MP Eran Wickramaratne.

The minister said the formulation of the Bill relating to the National Drug Policy was completed by the ministry two years ago. It was directed to the Legal Draftsman’s Department. The minister said the bill was not proceeded properly by the department resulting in a delay.

Minister Sirisena said a special programme is to be implemented with the support of the Bangladeshi government to prevent drug shortage in the country and maintain standards in drugs.

He said local suppliers of pharmaceutical equipment are given more space and opportunity to apply for tender callings.