State Minister Channa Jayasumana says the price of medicines will have to be amended in line with the increase in the selling rate of the dollar.
Speaking to media in Colombo today, the State Minister said steps have been taken to import medicines with India also providing a loan facility for this purpose.
He added all possible steps have been taken to avoid a shortage.
However, State Minister Jayasumana said while interpretations are being made of how long medicine stocks would last, the government is working towards ensuring there is no shortage.
He requested the public to refrain from creating any undue fear as orders have been placed for stocks of medicine to meet the country’s demand.
The State Minister also stated that the control price imposed on paracetamol was amended as the price of raw materials used in manufacturing paracetamol increased significantly.
He noted that with the decision to float the dollar, prices of medicine will have to be amended.
State Minister Jayasumana added the State Pharmaceutical Corporation is taking necessary steps in this regard.
He also charged that private pharmacists are holding medicine in the hope that prices of medicines will increase thereby creating an artificial shortage of medicine.
