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Osu Hala in CWE to sell generic drugs at low prices
In a bid to bring down the cost of living, the State Pharmaceuticals Corporation is to set up pharmacies or Osu Halas in CWE outlets to provide quality drugs to the people at affordable prices, an official said.

SPC managing director K. Kamalgoda said initially they would set up Osu Halas in the main CWE outlets and then gradually spread out to outlets in every district and electorate.

Professor Kamalgoda said the SPC would make available about 80 widely used essential drugs under their generic names and at the lowest possible prices as a public service. Simultaneously the SPC is also launching an urgent programme to train pharmacists to work in these pharmacies.

The move to provide quality drugs at low prices and bring down the cost of living is being coordinated by the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.

Consumer Affairs Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle is also proposing that Osu Hala outlets be set up alongside or near public hospitals to make available quality drugs at low prices. Minister Fernandopulle told The Sunday Times he would give full support and provide every facility for the SPC outlets in CWE branches.

Meanwhile Health Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva has asked medical and health officials to draw up a national drug policy based on the principles of Professor Senaka Bibile.

The Peoples Movement for the Rights of Patients and others have proposed that the number of drugs being imported and prescribed be restricted to about 500 in line with the Bibile principles. At present Sri Lanka imports about 6000 varieties of drugs and a national drug policy would mean a saving of about five billion rupees annually for the country, PMRP spokesman said.

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