Legal officer under probe for fixing registrations of drug companies

By Chaminda Silva

The State Ministry of Production, Supply and Regulation of Pharmaceuticals has commenced an investigation into incidents of financial irregularities and corruption alleged to have taken place during granting permission to pharmaceutical companies to import medicines.

The investigation has been commenced as per the instructions of State Minister of Production, Supply and Regulation of Pharmaceuticals, Prof. Channa Jayasumana, to probe the allegation that a legal officer of the National Medicines Regulatory Authority is involved in granting the registration for pharmaceutical companies that import medicines.

The Minister said that complaints had been received against her and some other officers who had obtained money to grant approval outside the accepted procedure in giving registration to pharma companies.

The Minister said that legal action would be instituted against anyone found engaged in corrupt deals.