Many pharmacies to lose licences in Jan?

The National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) Chairman Dr Ananda Wijewickrema, reacting to reports that many pharmacies would lose their licences next January, Friday said that there have been no changes to the NMRA’s procedures for granting licenses to pharmacies.

He dismissed speculation that many pharmacies would lose their licenses starting next January due to alleged changes introduced by the NMRA saying that the NMRA has not changed its procedure of granting licenses to pharmacies. There was no truth in speculation that many of them would lose their licences starting next January owing to such changes.

A news report recently claimed that some pharmacies are at risk of closure due to the rejection of numerous applications for the renewal of their annual licenses by the NMRA. The report cited the Chairman of the All Ceylon Private Pharmacy Owners’ Association, as making these allegations. It was also claimed that this situation arose following a sudden decision by the NMRA.

However, NMRA Chairman Wijewickrema has refuted this claim, calling it “false and misleading.” He clarified that the NMRA has not made any sudden decisions regarding the issuance of pharmacy licenses, and there has been no change in the procedures followed in this regard.

He explained that the primary requirement for issuing pharmacy licenses is that the pharmacy must employ a qualified pharmacist. Other factors, such as the location of the pharmacy and the adequacy of its storage facilities, are also taken into consideration. These criteria have been in place for several years and have not been altered.

The NMRA has received numerous complaints about pharmacies employing unqualified personnel to dispense medications. This has led to instances where patients were harmed due to the incorrect dispensing of medicines.

It is mandatory for pharmacies to have a qualified pharmacist on their staff. This requirement is not only a regulatory standard set by the NMRA but also a legal obligation, Wijewickrema said.The NMRA regretted the publication of this false news saying it was circulated without verifying the facts. It strongly condemned the attempt to mislead the public.