Sri Lanka Regulator Warns of Overpriced Indian Cancer Drugs in Private Pharmacies
Colombo: Sri Lanka’s National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) has raised concerns over the alleged sale of Indian cancer drugs at inflated prices in private pharmacies.
Speaking to the Daily Mirror, NMRA Chief Executive Officer Dr. Kumudu Bandara said the regulator is on alert following claims that unregistered Indian cancer medicines are being sold freely at pharmacies near major hospitals.
“The NMRA regularly conducts market surveillance to identify substandard or unregistered medicines. If a formal complaint is received regarding Indian cancer drugs, we will step up surveillance and carry out targeted raids,” Dr. Bandara said.
The issue was highlighted by the Doctors’ Trade Union Alliance for Medical and Civil Rights, which said medicine shortages at government hospitals—particularly the Maharagama Apeksha Hospital—have compelled specialists to refer patients to private pharmacies outside hospital premises.
According to the union, while some medicines are sold at low prices, others not supplied by the State are being sold at several times their normal cost.
