Opposition Parliamentarian Prof. G.L. Peiris alleged that the Government has intentionally avoided providing the necessary facilities to the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA).

Speaking to the media yesterday (22), he said that the NMRA is responsible for assuring the quality of every pharmaceutical drug that is being provided to the people. Therefore, he said that there should be sufficient facilities for them to fulfill their responsibilities.

"When there should be 20 officers at a particular unit of the NMRA, there are only two officers. The NMRA does not have the capacity to ensure that the drugs are up to the relevant standards. That is because the Government has deliberately not provided them with the necessary facilities."

Recalling the controversial human intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) deal (a batch of IVIG having been suspended from use following the revelation that the local supplier named Isolez Biotech Pharma AG Private Limited had imported it by submitting forged documents for Customs clearance), he claimed that the Government had not provided the NMRA with the necessary facilities in order to make leeway for more such irregularities. "The Government is paving the way for irregularities and frauds to happen."

NMRA Chairperson Dr. Ananda Wijewickrama was not available for comment.

The NMRA is crucial in safeguarding and enhancing public health by ensuring that medicinal products available in the country comply with the established safety, quality, and efficacy related standards. The NMRA oversees the regulation of medicines. It also oversees the National Medicines Quality Assurance Laboratory, responsible for ensuring the quality of medicinal products.