Over 300 locally manufactured medicines and medical supplies are set to be procured following Cabinet approval for a one-year period.
Cabinet Spokesman Minister Nalinda Jayatissa stated that this initiative, initially approved on October 14, 2024, focuses on sourcing medical supplies from identified local manufacturers.
The Ministry of Health and Mass Media has classified suppliers into four categories:
- State Pharmaceuticals Manufacturing Corporation (SPMC)
- Joint venture partners with SPMC
- Buy-back agreement holders with the Ministry of Health and Mass Media
- Other non-contracted local manufacturers
Based on recommendations from the Cabinet-appointed Standing Procurement Committee, the following procurements have been approved:
- Procurement of 42 types of medicines from the State Pharmaceuticals Manufacturing Corporation for Rs. 5,398.83 million.
- Procurement of 131 types of medicines from local manufacturers in joint ventures with the State Pharmaceuticals Manufacturing Corporation for Rs. 16,611.42 million.
- Procurement of 36 types of medicines from manufacturers with buy-back agreements with the Ministry of Health and Mass Media for Rs. 9,022.10 million.
- Procurement of 130 types of medicines from 24 newly selected local manufacturers for Rs. 13,374.65 million.
This decision is a significant step towards supporting local manufacturers while ensuring an uninterrupted supply of essential medicines for public healthcare needs.
