News

1.2 mn. Jeevanee sachets procured from substandard SPC manufacturing unit

Published

1 year ago

April 1, 2024

nipuni

Trade Unions allege that the Health Ministry and the State Pharmaceuticals Corporation (SPC) has obtained 1.2 million sachets of ‘Jeevanee’ produced at the ORS manufacturing unit of the SPC that lacks the Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) certification.

‘Jeevanee’ is a locally produced Oral Rehydration Salt (ORS) which is used as an oral treatment for dehydration.

In a letter dated on Dec. 29, 2023, the additional secretary of the Health Ministry – Dr. Sunil de Alwis has requested the National Drug Regulatory Authority (NMRA) to issue a Waiver of Registration (WOR) in this regard.

However, the NMRA Chairman – Dr. Ananda Wijewickrama has said a WOR isn’t necessary as this product isn’t imported to the country.

Noting that during a meeting chaired by the Health Minister on Dec. 21, 2023, it was discussed that the product had been used in hospitals for during the past several years, the NMRA chairman had added that therefore, they had no objection for the product to be distributed by the Medical Supplies Division to state hospitals.

Accordingly, 1.2 million Jeevanee sachets, valued at Rs. 60 million, had been procured.

When questioned over the procurement, the NMRA Chairman has stated that while the said factory did lack the GMP certification, ‘Jeevanee’ was also not registered as a drug.

In Oct. 2015, NMRA officials had carried out an inspection of the said ORS manufacturing unit and in Jan. 2016, the NMRA had urged the SPC to correct the shortcomings mentioned in the inspection report and inform the NMRA of its progress.

Accordingly, the unit had informed the NMRA that measures are being taken to secure the GMP certification.

Meanwhile, President of the Academy of Health Professionals (AHP) – Ravi Kumudesh has remained skeptical of the move to procure the ‘Jeevanee’ stock.

Noting that the questionable Human Immunoglobulin, which has become a major issue these days, had also been produced at a factory in Seeduwa that lacked GMP certification, Mr. Kumudesh says that it was unusual to seek a WOR for locally manufactured products.

He also said that procuring products from such manufacturing units, also showed that drugs in the country are not regulated.

Noting that officials deviating from quality processes also raises questions on accountability.

Noting that the NMRA has not clarified the matter in a way that regulated the procurement process, the AHP President points out that the procured ‘Jeevanee’ has already been prescribed to patients while NMRA has not informed to shut down the manufacturing process either until the GMP certification is secured.

(Source : Aruna)

News

Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith meets Pope Leo XIV (Pics)

Published

2 hours ago

May 14, 2025

editor

The Archbishop of Colombo – Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, has met the newly appointed Pope Robert Prevost.

The Archdiocese of Colombo shared pictures on social media of Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith and Pope Robert Prevost engaging in cordial discussions.

Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith met with the new Pope following his participation in the Papal Conclave in the Vatican City to elect a new Pope.

(Pics : FB page of News – Archdiocese of Colombo)

News

High blood pressure causes 70% of deaths in SL – MOH

Published

3 hours ago

May 14, 2025

editor

Around 70% of all deaths in Sri Lanka are linked to complications from high blood pressure, according to the Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) Unit at the Ministry of Health.

Consultant Dr. Samindhi Samarakoon from the NCD Unit stated that a 2021 national survey found 34.8% of Sri Lanka’s population suffers from high blood pressure.

Alarmingly, 64% of those diagnosed are not on any form of medication, she added.

“Most of the time, there are no early symptoms. Often, the first sign is a stroke. Sometimes, it appears as a heart attack. Hypertension is also a leading cause of kidney diseases,” Dr. Samarakoon explained.

We do a survey every five years on Non-Communicable Disease. According to the 2021 survey data, around 70% of deaths in the country are caused by conditions related to high blood pressure, only 18% of people with hypertension were aware of their condition, with 54.7% of diagnosed cases being newly identified. Alarmingly, just 14% of those diagnosed had their blood pressure under control, highlighting a very serious situation.

Dr. Samarakoon emphasized the importance of prevention and early detection, noting that while ‘Suwadivi’ clinics are available in addition to hospitals, patient turnout remains very low; she stressed the need for annual blood pressure checks, highlighted the harmful effects of smoking and alcohol – particularly among men – and underscored the importance of regular physical activity.

News

Private security officers arrested over theft at Swiss Ambassador’s residence

Published

3 hours ago

May 14, 2025

editor

Colombo, May 14 (Daily Mirror) – The Kollupitiya Police have arrested three individuals, including the Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of a private security firm and another security officer, in connection with a theft at the official residence of the Swiss Ambassador in Colombo, where gold jewellery, including a diamond-studded ring and luxury wristwatches worth approximately Rs. 4.5 million were stolen from a safe.

According to police, the investigation was launched following a complaint lodged by the Swiss Ambassador, who had left for Switzerland on April 12 and returned on April 27.

Investigations revealed that after the Ambassador’s departure, the suspects gained access to her safe using a key that had been illegally duplicated. The jewellery and watches were subsequently stolen.

Following interrogations, police also arrested a locksmith who had allegedly made the duplicate key used in the theft.

Police have recovered several rings, believed to be part of the stolen items, from the one of the suspect security officers in Weligama.

At the time of the theft, two female domestic workers and a cook were present at the residence. They were questioned and later released after being cleared of any involvement.

The three suspects were produced before the Hulftsdorp Magistrate’s Court and have been remanded until May 22.

(dailymirror.lk)

(Except for the headline, this story, originally published by dailymirror.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)