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Jayasumana slams doctors for misusing antibiotics

30 Dec 2021

  • Pharma State Min. claims certain antibiotics rarely used in West are readily prescribed in Sri Lanka
  • Claims study has found antibiotics contaminated local water sources
  • Alleges children being prescribed infections-only antibiotics for colds, fever
BY Buddhika Samaraweera Claiming that the misuse of antibiotics has now become a serious issue in the country, State Minister of Production, Supply, and Regulation of Pharmaceuticals Prof. Channa Jayasumana said that doctors are primarily responsible for the same. During a meeting with the All Ceylon Private Pharmacy Owners’ Association (ACPPOA), he said: “The misuse of antibiotics is a serious issue now and doctors are primarily responsible for such. Certain antibiotics that those in western countries think a 100 times about before giving them to someone are largely used in Sri Lanka.” He also claimed that a recent study on kidney disease had tested water sources and revealed that many water sources in Sri Lanka were contaminated with antibiotics. Antibiotics are being used in the country so much so that they have even been added to water sources, he noted. “There are certain antibiotics that are only used for infections and they are now being given to children for the cold and fever too. Doctors are trying to become ‘one shots’ and when that is going on for some time only this issue arises,” he claimed. Speaking further, Prof. Jayasumana said that a programme will be formulated in the future to curb activities such as the sale of illicit drugs and the misuse of drugs, while emphasising that the support of pharmacy owners is very important for that. He alleged that various illegal drugs were being sold at present and that there was no system in place to punish those who commit such acts. He also noted that such drugs are even being delivered to homes, especially using methods such as easy cash. “I know that illegal drugs are being sold. Often, there is a small fine for such acts. Therefore, a system through which those who commit such acts can be punished should be devised. What is happening now is aiding and abetting illegal activities instead of preventing them. There is a system in place to sell drugs such as the painkiller Tramadol and anticonvulsant Gabapentin illegally. The support of the pharmacy owners is vital to stop such activities,” he said. He further stated that steps would be taken to amend the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) Act in the future. He said that through certain provisions and regulations of the existing Act, it is apparent that some people are being supported to commit certain wrongdoings and that it does not include a methodology to punish someone who does something wrong and appreciate someone who does something good.


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