National Drug Policy ready for take-off

* SPMC will remain as the main state drug producer

* Pharmaceutical Park is to be set up in Kurunegala soon

Nadira Gunatilleke

Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena visiting the SPMC in Ratmalana.

The National Drug Policy will be operational before the end of this year. The Attorney General will present the draft to Cabinet and then to Parliament, Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena said. Minister Sirisena said the policy draft disappeared earlier while it was at the Legal Draftsman’s Department.

“Arrangements have been made to produce drugs required for the country through the State Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Corporation (SPMC) while a Pharmaceutical Park is to be set up in Kurunegala soon. A large number of foreign investors will begin business ventures here. The SPMC will remain as the main state drug producer,” he said.

Minister Sirisena said the entire production of the SPMC should be used to meet the drug requirement in Sri Lanka during drug shortages.