Due to the National Medicines Regulatory Authority’s mandatory requirement for a full-time qualified pharmacist to operate drug stores, pharmacies across the island are facing a serious risk of closure.
However, the All Ceylon Private Pharmacy Owners Association says that the Ministry of Health has yet to respond to attempts made over the past few months to engage the Minister to discuss this serious matter. The association also points out that this situation has put the operation of pharmacies in rural areas in a serious crisis.
This situation will worsen from January 1, says Chandika Gankanda, Chairman of the All Ceylon Private Pharmacy Owners Association.