Concerns raised over surge in unregistered medicine imports

2026-03-12 - 02:47

The Doctors’ Trade Union Alliance for Medical and Civil Rights states that the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) has reportedly seen a significant rise in medicines being imported into the country without registration through ports and airports. The alliance claims that this situation has allowed substandard pharmaceutical products to enter the local market, with information suggesting that certain parties distribute such medicines through intermediaries linked to companies. Its Chairman, Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa, stated that although complaints have been lodged with the NMRA, neither the government nor the relevant authorities have taken adequate measures to prevent the issue so far. He further alleged that expired or near-expiry medicines are being imported into the country via baggage, after which new labels are affixed and the products are sold under recognized brand names. Dr. Sanjeewa also claimed that an organized racket involving the importation of medicines has emerged due to the failure to ensure a proper supply of pharmaceuticals through the state system, and urged authorities to immediately investigate the matter.