All 36 types of medicines imported under the Indian Credit Line from Savorite Pharmaceuticals in Gujarat have not been registered in Sri Lanka, Consultant Physician at National Institute of Infectious Diseases (NIID), Dr. Ananda Wijewickrama said.

He said that about 80 per cent of medicinal drugs purchased under the Credit Line are not registered with the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA).

It was also said that medicines which are not required by the patients have also been imported to Sri Lanka under this Credit Line.

Dr. Wijewickrama revealed that the medicines which have been removed from the list of medicines of the medical supply department have also been imported.“This is a serious issue. Cough medicines and shampoos which are not necessary for patients have also been imported,” he said.

Dr. Wijewickrama said that in the list of medicines given for the approval of the Evaluation Committee of the NMRA, about 270 types of drugs have not been registered in the country.

On various occasions, the Sri Lanka Medical Association has informed the Ministry of Health and the President to prevent the importation of unnecessary medicines into the country.  However, there has been no outcome despite having a series of discussions in this regard.