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Powerful call by local pharma industry for high-level Task Force
View(s):- SLPMA on crucial need to make pharma manufacturing a ‘thrust’ industry in Sri Lanka
By Kumudini Hettiarachchi
Sending out a powerful call for a “consistent policy direction” and “a long-term strategic roadmap”, in the absence of which investor confidence is limited, local pharmaceutical manufacturers have urged the formation of a multi-stakeholder Task Force to make this vital industry a national priority.
The Task Force should comprise government and industry representatives and would be “essential” to drive this vision forward and enable the required structural reforms, the Sri Lanka Pharmaceutical Manufacturers’ Association (SLPMA) said on Friday evening.
The Task Force stakeholders identified are representatives from the Ministries of Health, Industries and Finance, the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA), the Industrial Development (IDB), the Export Development Board (EDB), the University Grants Commission (UGC), and industry.
The ‘National Call to Produce Medicine in Sri Lanka’ was unveiled soon after the Annual General Meeting of the SLPMA in Colombo. It went out to all ‘key’ stakeholders including government officials, regulators, industry, academia and policymakers.
Established in 1963, the SLPMA has a membership of 25 companies. It has invested around US$ 200 million, while expanding capacity across dosage forms, with over 25 companies contributing.
They manufacture over 200 molecules across more than 50 therapeutic categories and 100 dosage forms. These ‘dosage forms’ include tablets, capsules, liquids & suspensions; creams & ointments; injectables; inhalers (dry powder & metered dose); sterile & inhaler devices; nasal spray, oxygen & saline; and surgical instruments.
Even though Sri Lanka’s journey in pharmaceutical manufacturing began in the mid-20th century, the country still relies on imports for nearly 80% of its pharmaceutical needs.
The Guaranteed Buy-Back Agreement introduced in 2014 by the then government had encouraged around US$ 200 million in private sector investments locally and expanded government procurement from local manufacturers from 5% to nearly 30%, according to the SLPMA, which is urging the extension of this agreement for another five years.
While this 30% of essential medicines are supplied to government hospitals and clinics, the SLPMA’s supply accounts for only 5% of private sector demand.
The SLPMA has explained that with growing global uncertainties, escalating healthcare costs and the rise of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), strengthening local pharmaceutical manufacturing is no longer optional.
It has identified five reasons why pharmaceutical manufacturing should be recognized as a “thrust” industry for Sri Lanka: that healthcare is fundamental to national prosperity; pharmaceutical security is about access, affordability and quality; significant foreign exchange outflows can be curtailed; export growth can drive long-term industrial transformation; and scientific talent retained through a future-focused industry.
Pointing out that with a strong domestic manufacturing base, supply continuity can be ensured, while allowing regulator visibility, the SLPMA explains that with Sri Lanka’s pharmaceutical market valued at around US$ 600 million, Sri Lanka spends a lot annually on imports. Scaling up local manufacturing can significantly reduce this forex drain while creating long-term savings for the healthcare system.
With the vision of making the pharmaceutical sector globally competitive and self-reliant with the goals including timely access to essential medicines at affordable prices across the nation, the SLPMA has identified three national goals, within a timeline of five-10 years.
They are: to increase local production to cover 75% of Sri Lanka’s medicine needs; establish the foundation for a US$ 1 billion pharmaceutical export industry; and create 10,000+ direct and indirect skilled jobs in science, pharmacy, engineering and manufacturing.
It identifies five “key” policy pillars for Sri Lanka to achieve pharmaceutical self-reliance – Strong Policy Support, an Enabling Regulatory Framework, Industry Commitment to Quality & Integrity, Development of Human Talent and Investment in Research & Development & Ecosystem.
With regard to policy support, the SLPMA underscores that a level playing field between importers and local manufacturers should be ensured, while under regulatory enablement, it seeks a fast-track registration pathway created for molecules developed or introduced for the first or second time locally and encouragement of more frequent and robust GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) inspections with supportive feedback loops to improve the quality of all facilities.
On its part, the SLPMA assures adherence to global quality and ethical standards, ensuring of a reliable supply, transparent operations and responsible pricing; and the pursuing of global accreditations and building strong exportable brands.
Conceding that trust is not granted, it should be earned, the SLPMA adds that in a sector as sensitive as healthcare, industry bears a profound responsibility to the public.
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