COLOMBO : The National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) stated that it has given unregistered pharmacies the opportunity to submit applications for registration through its official website until the end of this month. The authority warned that legal action would be taken to close down those that fail to comply.
Speaking to The Daily Morning, NMRA Chairperson Dr. Ananda Wijewickrama said that a pharmacy could be registered only if it employs a qualified pharmacist holding the required professional credentials. “We register pharmacies only when such a pharmacist is present. Every registered pharmacy must have one.”
However, he said that several pharmacies are still operating without registration, and that the NMRA had given them the opportunity to apply for the registration through a website. “They can make the relevant submissions for registration through the website until the end of this month. If they don’t comply, we will have to take legal action to close down the non-registered pharmacies.”
The move follows allegations from the Society of Government Pharmacists organisation about unqualified individuals dispensing medicines – including antibiotics – at private pharmacies across the country. At a recent media briefing, the society’s Chairperson Ajith Thilakarathna said that some pharmacies issue medicines without prescriptions, violating health regulations. Therefore, he urged the NMRA to strictly verify the qualifications of pharmacy staff to ensure patient safety and compliance with the law.
