LNP - Measures afoot to fast-track drug purchases

A special procurement system is to be introduced to fast-track the purchasing of drugs in Sri Lanka, Deputy Minister of Health Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni said. Dr. Wijemuni noted that certain outdated laws dating back to 1975 have hindered the efficiency of the current drug procurement process. “We are working on bringing in a new mechanism to overcome these challenges and ensure patients get timely access to vital medicines,” he said. “The proposed system will focus on ensuring the timely and affordable acquisition of quality pharmaceuticals, he added. The Deputy Minister further said that the new approach would incorporate e-procurement platforms and established quality assurance programmes to streamline operations, reduce costs and improve accessibility. Procurement systems generally manage the entire process — from forecasting medical needs and selecting suppliers to negotiating prices and managing contracts.