The third drug produced locally under the "New Drugs for a New Country" programme to produce 50 percent of Sri Lanka’s total drugs requirement locally was launched yesterday by the State Pharmaceuticals Manufacturing Corporation (SPMC).
In line with the National Policy Framework 'Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour', the SPMC running under the purview of the State Minister of Production, Supply and Regulation of Pharmaceuticals yesterday launched its third product Hydroxychloroquine Sulfate Tablets usp-200 mg to the local market.
The first set of drugs was handed over to the Chief Guest of the occasion, Consultant Dr.Ananda Wijewickrema by the State Minister of Production, Supply and Regulation of Pharmaceuticals Prof. Channa Jayasumana.
Hydroxychloroquine Sulfate is a drug, which is widely used in patients with autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and malaria. One tablet of this drug is expected to be released to the market at the cost Rs. 14.30.
About 20 percent of Sri Lanka's domestic demand for pharmaceuticals is currently produced locally and it is hoped to enhance it by 50 percent to 75 percent.
Speaking at the launching ceremony, Prof. Jayasumana said that the Ministry has decided to release one locally made drug to the market. In the last two months we had been able to release gabapentin and clopidogrel.
"This will save a large amount of foreign exchange in the country. With the launch of this programme, we have seen various groups affiliated with the drug mafia made various criticisms via social media. But the people of this country do not accept what they say and they know the value of the programme," the State Minister said. Dr. Wijewickrema further said that it should be highly appreciated the measures taken by the SPMC to produce drugs locally especially during a pandemic situation.
State Pharmaceuticals Corporation Chairman Dr. Uthpala Indrawansa also participated.
