The Doctors’ Trade Union Alliance for Medical and Civil Rights has alleged that no fines have been collected so far from pharmaceutical companies accused of importing substandard eye medicines and other drugs into Sri Lanka.
Union Chairman, Specialist Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa, stated that during the tenure of former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, the Health Ministry had taken legal action through the Attorney General’s Department of Sri Lanka and successfully recovered fines from the relevant companies. However, he claimed that no similar நடவடிக்கை has been taken under the current administration.
Dr. Sanjeewa further noted that only a small number of patients who reportedly suffered blindness due to substandard eye medicines have received compensation, while many others are still awaiting relief.
He also revealed that although there were suspicions that nearly 100 deaths may have been linked to counterfeit or substandard drugs during the previous administration, the present health authorities have yet to formally verify those claims.
Describing the situation as regrettable, he said the current government has failed to initiate legal proceedings through the Attorney General or recover compensation from the companies involved.
He added that the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka has already ruled that the importation of substandard medicines amounts to a violation of fundamental human rights. According to him, ongoing legal cases against Rambukwella and other officials were filed based on complaints by civil society organisations rather than the Ministry of Health.
Dr. Sanjeewa also pointed out that around twenty companies had been identified as having imported questionable medicines during the previous administration, a matter also highlighted by the Auditor General. He criticised recent remarks about enforcing laws against companies importing substandard coal, calling such positions inconsistent given the lack of action on pharmaceutical-related cases.
