The Ministry of Health said that 587 types of substandard medicines have been removed from use in the past seven years.
In 2017, 93 types of medicinal drugs have been removed from use, 85 types have been removed in 2018, 96 types in 2019, 77 types in 2020, 85 types in 2021 and 86 types in 2022 while 65 types of medicinal drugs have been removed in 2023.
Dr. Saman Ratnayake, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Health, said that substandard medicines have been detected in the past as well.
“It has happened in previous years as well. Proper procedures are followed to ensure the safety of patients. Locally produced medicines as well as registered imported medicines will be removed if tests confirm that they are substandard,” he said.
Out of the 278 types of medicinal drugs imported under Indian Credit Facility, only one has been found to be substandard.
It has also been revealed that only one out of the 308 types of medicines obtained under emergency purchases is substandard.
The Additional Secretary said that such medicines are being removed following tests.
He said that in the absence of the correct temperature during preparation, manufacturing, packaging, labeling, shipping, storage, and transportation to hospitals, the medicines may lose their standard.
(Aruna)
