Supply of Medicine disrupted; pharmacies asked to control sales

All-Island Private Pharmacy Owners’ Association (ACPPOA) President Chandika Gankanda says with Monday’s major devaluation of the Rupee against the USD, the pharmaceutical companies and importers have stopped supplying medicines to pharmacies with immediate effect.

Gankanda said that the disruption of distribution took place in the wake of the Central Bank devaluing the rupee to 230 against the USD.

The unprecedented crisis could cause a catastrophe as those who could afford may stockpile lifesaving drugs, Gankanda said.

“We are discussing these matters with relevant parties,” he said, acknowledging that though instructions had been issued to members of the Association, as regards controlling the issuance of medicine, they couldn’t guarantee equitable distribution.

Responding to The Island queries, Gankanda said that in case of a serious disruption of supplies, normalcy couldn’t be restored overnight.

The ACPPOA President stressed the need for a consensus among the importers/distributors, the government and their Association. According to him, their Association, had on a number of occasions, discussed the impending crisis and warned relevant parties of the need to be prepared to face any eventuality, though a proper plan was never adopted. (SF)